Since the 2000s, the Los Angeles Lakers seem to have a knack for pulling off the impossible in the playoffs. From Robert Horry’s buzzer beating 3 pointer against the Kings in 2002 to Derek Fisher’s catch-and-shoot in just 0.4 seconds against the Spurs in 2004, L.A. has always managed to get it done.

Ron Artest added his name to Lakers lore as he rambled into the lane and beat the buzzer with a wild shot after rebounding Kobe Bryant’s miss, and the Lakers edged the Phoenix Suns 103-101 on Thursday night to take a 3-2 lead in the Western Conference finals.

Black Mamba had 30 points, 11 rebounds and nine assists for the Lakers, but the improbable hero of Game 5 is the only new player on the roster of the defending champions, who are one win away from returning to the NBA finals.

Jason Richardson banked in a straightaway 3-pointer with 3.5 seconds left to tie it for the Suns. Phoenix hacked away an 18-point deficit in the second half led by Steve Nash, who had 29 points and 11 assists.

Kobe Bryant caught the inbounds pass but wasn’t able to get a good look as he fired a bad shot from the sideline. Artest caught the rebound and threw up an ugly desperation shot that somehow went in.

Game 6 will be Saturday night in Phoenix where the Suns will look to force a Game 7.

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