Talk about ending 2010 with a bang! The game between the Kings and Grizzlies on Dec. 29 at Arco Arena in Sacramento involved two buzzer-beaters – both in spectacular fashion.
With five seconds left in the fourth quarter and the Kings holding a slim 97-96 lead, Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley inbounded the ball to O.J. Mayo, who took a couple of dribbles toward the top and made an off-balance, fadeaway jump shot to give Memphis a 98-97 lead with 1.5 seconds remaining. Game over, right? Wrong.
After Mayo’s amazing play, the crowd in Sacramento went nearly dead silent sensing that the game had been won. Even one sideline reporter was too quick to walk on the court to get some postgame interviews.
But hold on Mr Reporter! The game is not over yet.
DeMarcus Cousins inbounded the ball to Tyreke Evans from the baseline and Evans took one dribble and launched a desperation shot from well beyond halfcourt and swished it just just before the red light went on. Kings win, 100-98!
The Kings players and coaching staff celebrated as if they had just won the NBA title, and Evans certainly milked his shining moment by jumping on top of the official’s table as the whole building erupted (haven’t heard this building this loud since Mike Bibby hit a game-winning shot in Game 5 of the 2002 Western Conference finals against the Lakers).
The Kings are in dire need of a spark this season and Evans may have just provided it with his incredible shot. Even though we’ve only played just a quarter of the season, Evans’ buzzer-beater may be the shot of the year in the NBA. See for yourself…