The Lakers’ Iconic Comeback: Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals
The Los Angeles Lakers’ incredible fourth-quarter comeback during Game 7 of the 2000 Western Conference Finals against the Portland Trail Blazers is one of the most iconic moments in NBA playoff history. On June 4, 2000, the Lakers, led by Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, staged a rally that not only secured their spot in the NBA Finals but also set the foundation for their early-2000s dynasty.
The Stage Was Set
The stakes couldn’t have been higher. The Lakers had enjoyed a dominant 67-win regular season under head coach Phil Jackson, and expectations were sky-high for a team featuring the dynamic duo of Bryant and O’Neal. Yet, the Portland Trail Blazers, an equally formidable opponent, pushed the series to a decisive Game 7 at the Staples Center. The Blazers, led by stars like Scottie Pippen, Rasheed Wallace, Steve Smith, and Arvydas Sabonis, boasted a deep roster capable of challenging the Lakers at every turn.
Game 7 represented the culmination of a fiercely contested series. Each team had traded blows throughout the playoffs, with the Blazers forcing a Game 7 by dominating the Lakers in Game 6. The final showdown was set to determine who would represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals.
A Shaky Start
From the opening tip-off, the Blazers appeared to be the sharper team. Their offense flowed smoothly, with Rasheed Wallace scoring effortlessly in the post and on mid-range jumpers. Scottie Pippen’s veteran leadership was on full display, as he controlled the tempo of the game and made crucial defensive plays. Steve Smith and Damon Stoudamire contributed from the perimeter, hitting big shots to silence the raucous Staples Center crowd.
The Lakers, meanwhile, struggled to find their footing. Shaquille O’Neal faced relentless double-teams from Portland’s defense, which limited his touches and forced tough shots. Kobe Bryant, still emerging as a superstar, battled turnovers and missed several early attempts. Role players like Rick Fox and Derek Fisher struggled to make an impact, leaving the Lakers trailing by as much as 16 points in the first half. By halftime, the Blazers had built a solid lead, and their confidence seemed unshakable.
Portland’s Third-Quarter Surge
The third quarter saw the Blazers extend their lead, thanks to their balanced attack and stifling defense. Arvydas Sabonis used his size and skill to neutralize Shaq in the paint, while Wallace continued to exploit mismatches against the Lakers’ defense. Pippen hit a series of clutch shots, including a dagger three-pointer that pushed the Blazers’ lead to 15 points late in the quarter.
Portland’s bench players, such as Bonzi Wells and Brian Grant, provided valuable contributions, ensuring that the starters could rest without losing momentum. The Lakers looked disjointed and frustrated, and the crowd’s energy began to wane as the deficit grew. Heading into the fourth quarter, the Blazers held a commanding 75-60 lead, and it seemed as though their trip to the NBA Finals was inevitable.
The Turning Point: A 15-0 Run
With just over 10 minutes remaining in the game, the Lakers began their improbable comeback. It started with a defensive stop, as Robert Horry stripped Rasheed Wallace on a drive to the basket. The Lakers quickly transitioned into offense, with Kobe Bryant finding Horry in the corner for a three-pointer that ignited the crowd.
On the next possession, Brian Shaw intercepted a pass and pushed the ball up the court, feeding Shaquille O’Neal for a powerful dunk. The momentum began to shift as the Lakers tightened their defense, forcing the Blazers into contested shots and turnovers. Horry and Shaw continued to step up, hitting back-to-back threes to cut the lead to single digits.
Portland’s offense, which had been so fluid earlier, suddenly went cold. They missed 13 consecutive shots during the Lakers’ 15-0 run, with Wallace and Sabonis struggling to score inside. Pippen, the Blazers’ most experienced player, missed a critical jumper, and the team’s frustration became evident as they argued with officials and each other.
The Defining Moment: The Alley-Oop
With the game tied at 81-81 and less than a minute remaining, the Lakers turned to their two superstars. Kobe Bryant, handling the ball at the top of the key, sized up his defender and drove past him with a quick first step. As the Blazers’ defense collapsed to stop Kobe’s penetration, he lofted a perfect alley-oop pass toward the rim.
Shaquille O’Neal, timing his cut perfectly, soared through the air and finished with a thunderous two-handed dunk. The Staples Center erupted in deafening cheers, and the image of Shaq running down the court with a wide grin and pointing skyward became an enduring symbol of the Lakers’ dominance.
Closing It Out
The Lakers maintained their composure in the final seconds, with Derek Fisher hitting clutch free throws to seal the 89-84 victory. Portland’s last-ditch efforts to tie the game fell short, as their three-point attempts missed the mark. The Lakers celebrated on the court as the crowd chanted in unison, their championship aspirations back on track.
Legacy and Impact
This comeback did more than just secure a win; it solidified the legacy of the Kobe-Shaq duo and marked the beginning of the Lakers’ early-2000s dynasty. The victory propelled the team into the NBA Finals, where they defeated the Indiana Pacers to capture their first championship since 1988. It was the first of three consecutive titles for the Lakers, cementing their place among the greatest teams in NBA history.
Individually, the game showcased Kobe Bryant’s maturation as a leader and Shaquille O’Neal’s dominance as the league’s most unstoppable force. Role players like Robert Horry and Brian Shaw also earned their place in Lakers lore for their timely contributions.
Lessons in Resilience
The Game 7 comeback against the Blazers serves as a timeless example of resilience, teamwork, and star power. It demonstrated the importance of never giving up, even when the odds seem insurmountable. The performance of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, supported by their teammates, showcased how collective effort can overcome adversity.
Conclusion
June 4, 2000, remains a defining moment in NBA history and a cherished memory for Lakers fans. The dramatic turnaround not only paved the way for the Lakers’ championship run but also left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire basketball fans and players alike. As we reflect on this historic game, it’s clear that the Lakers’ comeback was about more than just basketball—it was a testament to the power of belief, determination, and teamwork.
