Two strong shooting performances from Derek Fisher helped the Los Angeles Lakers put away two Eastern Conference foes, and finish a five-game road swing at 4-1.
With a 4-8 performance shooting in a 103-84 win over New Jersey Friday night, D-Fish finished fourth on the team in scoring behind Kobe Bryant, Lamar Odom and Jordan Farmar.
 Fish hits a runner against the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night (Getty Images). |
No. 2 did his best work from behind the arc where he was a spectacular 3-6 en route to 11 points. He also added three assists and a rebound.
The following night in Motown, Fish was even better from the floor, albeit for fewer points.
Derek went 2-3 from the field, including making his only three-point attempt as the Lakers beat the Detroit Pistons 93-81.
Fish scored seven points in the win and added and assist, rebound and steal in the victory.
A PRO’S PRO
Everyone who knows Derek knows his contributions don’t always show in the stat sheet, and HoopsHype.com asked a couple players and his coach just what Derek means to the team.
Lamar Odom, who’s matured greatly in his time with the Lakers, could not heap enough praise on Derek:
"I know that Derek is sometimes overlooked by some people, but he’s not overlooked here with this team,’’ Odom said. "We understand what he brings to our team and what he means to our team. He’s been on some great teams and he understands what it takes to keep a team together. Derek helps hold this locker room together. He’s a man of character. He’s a gentleman. He’s smart. If there’s one guy who you can learn from, it’s Derek Fisher."
His coach, Phil Jackson, was just as glowing, when asked if Fish was the Lakers’ unsung hero.
"I think he’s sung. I don’t think there’s anything unsung about Derek. He’s got a voice. He’s a leader of the Players Association and is definitely a leader among his peers."
While his teammates are thankful to have him, he’s just as thankful for everyone in the Lakers organization that’s helped him achieve success.
"I’m glad the Lakers made the call. My life and my career would have been quite different if (then Lakers GM) Jerry West and the staff had decided to go in a different direction. I was definitely fortunate."
You can read the entire interview and article here.
NEXT UP
The Lakers head home after a week on the Eastern seaboard to take on Oklahoma City tomorrow night. The Lakers are 2-0 against the Thunder this year.
RELATED ARTICLES
Hot Lakers melt all in their path in win over Detroit (L.A. Times, Dec 21, 2009)
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The Pro’s pro (HoopsHype.com, Dec. 19, 2009)
http://blogs.hoopshype.com/blogs/woelfel/2009/12/19/the-pros-pro/