Because Derek Fisher’s contributions to the Lakers don’t always show up in a cursory glance at the box score, many people miss just what a difference maker he is.
Writer Chris Clark of the blog Silver Screen and Roll decided to keep his eye on Derek the entire game Saturday to see exactly what it was that Phil Jackson loves in the point guard.
Derek put up a season-high 15 points on 6-8 shooting, , and afterward, Clark shared his thoughts in a blog post.
Clark begins by admitting that he has been tough on No. 2 this season:
"I’ve been riding Derek Fisher pretty hard lately…Tonight, I give Fisher the chance to show me all of the "unseen" things he does to help the team. Whenever Fisher is on the court, I will literally watch him the entire time. I admit, I’ve given Fish a tough assignment, as tonight’s game pairs him with the uber quick Aaron Brooks. But, lets see what intangibles the naked eye can spot when it’s trying really hard to see them."
To open the game, Clark immeadiately takes note of Fish’s work manning the point on the offensive end.
"Fish properly initiates the offense, and throws a simple post entry pass to Pau who scores on the block. He’s off to a good start."
Then, almost immediately after, Fish flashes a little thing that shows just how crucial he is to this team.
"Lamar Odom loses the ball on the other side of the floor, and Fisher gets back on transition defense before it’s even necessary, showing his focus. The Rockets get a 3 on 2, but don’t score because Fish challenges Luis Scola’s jumpshot… He might be one of the best transition defenders in the league. There’s nobody I’d rather have as the 1 in a 3-1 fast break."
Late in the second, Fish makes another little play.
"Caught behind the play on a fast break, Fisher rushes back to foul Chase Buddinger, preventing the easy two."
A little later, D-Fish picks his shot and buries a triple that leaves Clark impressed.
"Completely within the offense, Kobe sets up Fisher for a wide open three in the corner, which he drains. Good shot."
Then, with the clock winding down in the first half, Fish again comes through on defense.
"With the shot clock winding down for the Rockets, Aaron Brooks gets the ball at the elbow extended. At this point you’d expect him to pick a direction and blow right by Fish. He does just that, but Fisher beats him to the spot and plays great D, forcing a Brooks desperation heave with the wrong hand."
Then, right before the buzzer, Fish drains another deep trey.
"Another Kobe assisted, triangle approved three pointer from Derek Fisher, this one from the top of the circle. Good shot. Fisher might be having his best game of the season. By my count, he’s 5-7 for 13 points (second only to Pau Gasol) and was on the court as the Lakers closed out the half on a 20-2 run, keeping Aaron Brooks in check."
In the second half, Fish keeps it up and makes a great dish.
"The ball swings over to Fisher with the Rockets scrambling on defense. Scola chases Fisher off the 3 point line and Fisher goes into the paint. He pulls up from 15 feet, but then dishes off to Pau Gasol on the block for an easy two. Great play."
Shortly after that, with the game in hand, Fish takes a rest on the bench, and our writer is left to recount.
"All in all, this confirms a lot of what I’ve been thinking about Fisher lately. His court awareness and general desire to fight and stay with the play even after getting beat mean that when the Laker bigs help him out, the Lakers are less often punished for it because he’s still working as part of the team defensive structure."
Add in 15 points and it’s easy to see why Phil Jackson has No. 2 etched into the line up with permanent ink.
MONDAY NIGHT MISS
Monday wasn’t nearly as good to Fish and the Lakers as Saturday, as they fell to the New Orleans Hornets 108-100.
Fish scored seven points and notched three assists, but the Lakers had an off shooting night, going under 42 percent and could not keep pace with New Orleans.
NEXT UP
The Lakers face the Atlanta Hawks tomorrow for the first time since the third game of the NBA season. In that meeting, Fish scored six points and recorded three assists.
RELATED ARTICLES
An evening with Derek Fisher (Silver Screen and Roll, March 28, 2010)
http://www.silverscreenandroll.com/2010/3/28/1393690/an-evening-with-derek-fisher