Make it six straight series victories for Derek Fisher and the Los Angeles Lakers who now haven’t lost a best-of-seven in the postseason since June of 2008.
No. 2 and the Lakers bested the Utah Jazz 111-96 on Monday to complete a sweep of their Salt Lake City rivals.
It’s also the third straight year that Fish has helped to eviscerate the Jazz in the postseason, and he’s done so in memorable ways.
 Fish scoring on Deron Williams (Getty Images). |
In 2008, he averaged 16 points a game in the series’ last five games. In 2009, he had nights of 11 points and five assists, and 12 and four in the Lakers second and third win. While he had 10 points and five rebounds in the clincher, it was his 20-point night, which included a game clinching three that will be remembered after the playoffs.
Last night, with a chance to eliminate his former team once more, Fish made sure the job was done right by playing a full 40 minutes.
His short jumper in the second put Los Angeles up 17, a lead they maintained heading into the locker room. Fish scored another bucket in the third, along with dishing his lone assist of the game.
Then the fourth rolled around. With the opportunity to give his team some rest, especially with their potential opponent also garnering a first round sweep, Fish put his foot on the gas.
The Lakers started the half up 11, but when Paul Milsap missed a bucket that would have cut the lead to nine, No. 2 decided it was time to put the finishing touches on the series. He hit a three, then on the ensuing possession was fouled on a three-point attempt and sunk each foul shot. Suddenly, Los Angeles was up 17 and cruising toward the Western Conference semifinals.
NEXT UP
In those very semis, the Lakers will meet up with the Phoenix Suns. But that series doesn’t kick off until Monday, May 17.
Game 1 from the Staples Center is scheduled for 6 p.m. PST on TNT.
RELATED STORIES
Lakers’ Lamar Odom powers bench strength (L.A. Times, May 10, 2010)
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/10/sports/la-sp-lakers-jazz-sider-20100511
Lakers Andrew Bynum, Lamar Odom, are playing through the pain (L.A. Times, May 5, 2010)
http://articles.latimes.com/2010/may/05/sports/la-sp-lakers-andrew-bynum-20100506/2