It’s hard to imagine that every single possession a player is involved in a single game would be critical to a win.
In a typical NBA game, with over 100 possessions, it’s rare that one player could make every one of his touches count.
That being said, Saturday night, in a double overtime win against the Sacramento Kings, every single time Derek Fisher put a number in the stat sheet, it mattered. His contributions helped spur the Los Angeles Lakers to a 112-103 win over Sacramento.
At the beginning of the game, when the Kings went on an early run, it was Fish kicking it to Lamar Odom for a three to bring the Lakers within two.
Four minutes later, D-Fish hit a jumper to put the Lakers up one, capping a 6-0, lead-seizing run.
Up one near the end of the second, No. 2 hit a deep three to give the Lakers a four-point lead. Then, he hit two free throws minutes later to help the Lakers take the lead again.
At the start of the third, his bucket brought the Lakers back even with the Kings. Then he dished to Pau Gasol for a basket, which again tied the score.
In overtime, when the Kings started to run away, there was Derek, dishing another pass to Pau Gasol to bring the Lakers within four.
Time and time again, Fish was either the source or the deliveryman.
With the Lakers down two at the end of the first overtime, it was D-Fish taking the last minute jumper. Although it rimmed out, Gasol was there for an easy put back. And then, with 40 seconds left in the second extra session, there was Derek, sinking two free throws to put the Lakers up eight and seal the win.
In the game, all but two of Derek’s 11 points came with Lakers either within two points of the lead or up by just one. His three assists were tied for second on the team. All three dimes brought the Lakers to within at least four points of the Kings. Just for good measure, he grabbed four rebounds and had two steals.
With Derek’s help on Saturday, the Lakers exhausted their demons after getting blown out by the Cavaliers at Staples Center on Christmas Day. D-Fish went for seven points and grabbed three rebounds, but Cleveland cruised to a 102-87 victory.
NEXT UP
Los Angeles heads to Phoenix to take on the Suns, who, at six games back, are the Lakers’ closest competitor in the Pacific Division. L.A’s won the first two meeting of the season, both in Hollywood. In the season series so far, Fish has averaged 7.5 points and three assists. Tip-off of the Monday night contest is scheduled for 6 p.m. PST and the game can be seen on KCAL.
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