After the timeout, the Lakers inbounded in the frontcourt.
Their only way to keep the game alive was to hit a three, then foul the Pelicans immediately and send them to the free-throw line.
Simmons took the sideline ball, and the Lakers ran a Star Explosion Tactic. Middleton came out and made a decoy move.
Durant, who came off Lopez's screen right afterward, was the real shooting option.
Simmons' pass was right on target. Durant caught it and turned straight into his shot.
With so little time left, they had to cherish every second.
But Gasol read the play perfectly, and his contest provided enough interference.
Clang!
Durant's three-pointer missed.
Lopez then charged in and grabbed the offensive rebound. After getting the ball, he looked around briefly before passing it to Durant, who had worked free again.
Durant launched another three.
Swish!
The ball went in.
But the red light at the scorer's table came on at the same time.
Game time expired!
120-117!
The Pelicans defeated the Lakers by three points and took a 2-1 series lead!
The on-site fans erupted.
Tang Tian's miraculous three in the previous game, Carter descending like a divine soldier in this one—the Pelicans had actually suppressed the James-and-Durant Lakers despite being without Davis!
The Pelicans' bench was celebrating as well.
Carter in particular was swarmed by teammates, who hugged him and shouted excitedly.
If he had missed that final shot, Durant's three would have tied the game, and the two sides would have gone into overtime.
At the postgame press conference, Stevens attended with Tang Tian and Carter.
"I'd believe you if you told me Vince was 24. I'm even looking forward to seeing him throw down a dunk during a game now."
Tang Tian spared no praise for Carter.
Carter's performance today