Ron Artest scored a wild bank shot after rebounding Kobe Bryant’s miss, giving the Los Angeles Lakers the victory over the Phoenix Suns, 103-101, last Thursday night. The Lakers now hold a 3-2 lead in their Western Conference finals.

Bryant scored 30 points, grabbed 11 rebounds, and dished off nine assists for the defending champions. However, it was Artest that became the improbable hero for LA.

Suns guard Jason Richardson banked in a three-pointer with a little over three seconds remaining in regulation. It tied the game, and would’ve been the ultimate finish for Phoenix’s second half rally. The Suns cut down at 18-point deficit in the second half.

In the next possession, Bryant missed a well-challenged shot from the corner, and Artest went in for the rebound and threw in the follow-up.

Game six is scheduled on Saturday at Phoenix, where the Lakers have a chance to book a ticket to the NBA Finals for the third consecutive year.

Steve Nash led Phoenix with 29 points and 11 helpers.