The defensive prowess of Derek Fisher played a key role in the Los Angeles Lakers’ 118-110 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Sunday night.
D-Fish had two steals during a 22-6 run to start the third quarter that essentially wrapped up the game for the Lakers, and his trio of nabs were second on the team behind Kobe Bryant’s five.
In 30 minutes D-Fish also added six points, three assists and three rebounds. All his boards came on the defensive glass.
Despite handling the ball for much of the game, Derek also had just one turnover. For the season, D-Fish has only six turnovers in 92 minutes of work.
In that time, he’s dished eight dimes for a 1.33 assist to turnover ratio.
TOUGH DAY AGAINST DALLAS
D-Fish started the weekend on a bit of a sour note, as the Lakers lost to the Dallas Mavericks 94-80. In a losing effort, Derek shot 2-9 from the field. He scored five points to go along with two assists and five rebounds.
NO HARM, NO FOUL?
Despite being fifth on the team in minutes played, No. 2 has yet to attempt a free throw this season. Lamar Odom, the team leader in minutes, has shot six so far. And Kobe Bryant, who always gets to the line, has attempted 32 free throws in 113 minutes.
By contrast, in his first three games last season, D-Fish got to the line six times. For his career, Derek shoots 81 percent from the charity stripe.
NEXT UP
The Lakers travel east for the first time this season on Tuesday.
D-Fish will battle second year point guard Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder tomorrow night at 5:00 p.m. PST. The game will be broadcast on KCAL in LA.
RELATED ARTICLES
Nowitzki, Mavericks hit free throws en route to win over Lakers (Associated Press, Oct. 30, 2009)
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=291030013
Mavericks 94, Lakers 80: Other than that, Mrs. Lincoln… (Los Angeles Times, Oct. 31, 2009)
http://lakersblog.latimes.com/lakersblog/2009/10/lakers-lose-to-mavericks-9480.html