LOS ANGELES, April 7 (UPI) -- Kobe Bryant scored 26 points Sunday night, including a game-winning jumper with 28 seconds left, as the Los Angeles Lakers dumped Phoenix, in overtime, 115-113.
With the victory, the Lakers clinched a playoff berth in the NBA's postseason.
The Lakers (46-31) overcame 40 points from by Stephon Marbury of Phoenix, and a five-point deficit in the final two minutes of regulation. The three-time defending NBA champions clinched their ninth consecutive playoff berth, and inched one game ahead of Utah into sixth place in the Western Conference.
After missing his four of his first five shots of overtime, Bryant gave the Lakers their 12th consecutive home win with a 20-footer from the right wing over Shawn Marion.
Bryant's latest big shot improved the Lakers to 35-12 since an 11-19 start.
"I think it's a good thing," said Bryant about the Lakers' second straight win coming down to the last shot. "Playoff games typically tend to be tight. It's important to establish some type of rhythm and confidence that we can have down the stretch. The important thing is winning games, and to improve."
"We got the win," said Lakers forward Robert Horry. "That's the most important thing. It's good practice for the tough games ahead. We might have to come down the stretch and execute. Anytime you have a tough game, it's a good game. It is the most important thing to do well down the stretch."
Despite Bryant's shot, the Suns still had two chances for their first win in eight tries over the Lakers at Staples Center, but rookie Amare Stoudamire missed a short jumper with nine seconds remaining, and Marion missed a three-pointer with five seconds to play.
"They are the world champions," said Phoenix Coach Frank Johnson. "I certainly tip my hat to Kobe and their crew because Kobe hit all the big shots. We had our chance. I can't say anything other than that. For the game, I thought we did a good job on Kobe. He just hit big shots when he had to."
Marbury scored 28 points after halftime, and his two foul shots with 42 seconds remaining forged a 113-113 tie. He had his way with the Lakers' defense for most of the fourth period, but did not score in the final 2:34 of regulation as the Lakers closed the quarter with a 7-2 spurt to forge a 106-106 tie.
Bryant made 10-of-25 shots, and had seven assists and eight rebounds. His final assist led to another clutch three-pointer by Horry with 1:47 left in overtime that made it 113-109.
