Spurs 89, Lakers 88
Antonio McDyess’ buzzer-beating tip-in gave the San Antonio Spurs a dramatic 89-88 victory over the host Los Angeles Lakers in Thursday’s showdown between the top two teams in the Western Conference.
McDyess leaped high and used his left hand to tip in a miss by Tim Duncan as San Antonio improved its NBA-best record to 41-8.
Pau Gasol put the Lakers ahead with two free throws with 22.7 seconds left. Los Angeles (34-16) has lost five of its last eight games.
Tony Parker scored 21 points and Richard Jefferson added 18 points to pace San Antonio.
Gasol had a team-high 19 points and Lamar Odom and Kobe Bryant added 16 points apiece for the Lakers.
Bryant had nine rebounds and 10 assists but endured a tough 5-of-18 shooting game. It was the second time he has struggled against San Antonio this season. Bryant made just 8 of 27 shots when the Lakers lost to the Spurs in late December.
San Antonio led 87-83 before Odom hit a 3-pointer with a minute left and Gasol hit the two free throws. The Spurs missed three shots over an 11-second span before McDyess tipped in the game-winning basket.
Ron Artest scored 13 points and Andrew Bynum added 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Lakers.