Video: Lakers' Kobe Bryant hits game-winning floater to beat Pacers
Kobe Bryant rediscovered some of his late-game magic by knocking down a game-winning floater to lift the Lakers to an 88-87 home victory over the Pacers on Sunday.
Although Bryant's clutch shooting numbers have been tough on the eyes this season, he repeatedly delivered down the stretch against Indiana, scoring Los Angeles' final nine points in the last 2:31 to lead the comeback victory. On the decisive possession, Bryant attacked from the top of the key against Solomon Hill, hesitating before working his way into the paint for an eight-foot floater.
Bryant lofted his shot over the top of Hill and it swished through with 12.4 seconds left to give the Lakers a one-point lead. A Roy Hibbert jumper at the other end was no good as the Lakers secured the win.
Entering Sunday, Bryant was 25 for 71 (35.2 percent) in clutch shooting situations (the game is in the final five minutes or overtime and within five points either way). After he missed a potential game-tying three-pointer against the Grizzlies earlier this week, ESPN Stats & Information noted that Bryant has missed his last 13 game-tying or go-ahead shots in the final five seconds of regulation or overtime. Bryant's shot on Sunday doesn't snap that particular streak, but it did give the Lakers a victory.
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Bryant finished with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists. Nick Young added a team-high 22 points and three rebounds off the bench.
C.J. Miles posted a team-high 19 points as six Pacers players finished in double figures. Hibbert posted 12 points and 11 rebounds.
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The Lakers improved to 11-23. The Pacers fell to 13-22.
