The past several games between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New York Knicks have been high-flying affairs, with the Lakers, winners of the past four, scoring 116 points or more in the past three games.
They’ve also been very good games for Derek Fisher. Over the four-game winning streak, No. 2 has averaged 9.8 points, including two games in which he scored over 15. He’s also averaged 3.75 assists and 2.25 rebounds per game.
Though the Lakers (10-3) streak against the Knicks (3-10) is four games, Fish has won his last five, defeating the Knicks in February of 2007 when he was with the Utah Jazz. D-Fish had 14 points in the 104-102 victory.
BLUE COLLAR LAKER
While Kobe Bryant constantly leads SportsCenter with circus shots and 50-point nights, Derek simply goes about his business, which to him, is doing whatever it take to help the Lakers win.
In an interview with the L.A. Times, Fish said his hustle and hard work are what got him a college scholarship and led the Lakers to draft him. No. 2 also says he’s actually gotten better athletically as he’s gotten older, which he attributes to his rigorous offseason workouts.
His attitude and ethic have payed dividends. With four rings, Fish is tied for the most among active players. You can watch the entire interview below:
BUSS GUSHES
In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Lakers owner Jerry Buss had some kind words for his long-time point guard.
"He’s Mr. Clutch," Buss said. "Another one, just like Jerry West, Robert Horry. Those are the memorable shots."
The shots Buss is referring to were Derek’s clutch three-pointers in Game Four of last season’s NBA Finals, although he just as easily could have been referring to Fisher’s huge game-winner against the Spurs in the playoffs in 2004.
NEXT UP
It’s Derek vs. Duhon as the New York Knicks come to LA. Fish will battle Lakers guard Chris Duhon tonight at 7:30 PST. The game can be seen on Fox Sports West.
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