Lakers’ Derek Fisher sees playing time increase in playoffs
His playing time has increased as the Western Conference playoffs have progressed, and Derek Fisher has found a way to stay productive.
Sunday against the Utah Jazz and its outstanding point guard, Deron Williams, Fisher was on the court for nearly 40 minutes, his high so far in the seven postseason games the Lakers have played.
And Fisher, 35, was solid, scoring 10 points on four-for-seven shooting, and getting five steals, three rebounds and three assists in helping the Lakers to a 104-99 victory over the Jazz at Staples Center in Game 1 of the semifinals.
“[Lakers Coach] Phil [Jackson] consciously plays me in the regular season in a way that allows me to extend myself in the postseason to whatever level we need,” Fisher said. “I’m always willing to do whatever it takes to help. If it’s 40 minutes or 20 minutes, I’m going to try to do my best.”
Fisher averaged 27.2 minutes during the regular season and 7.5 points.
He’s averaging 33.1 minutes in the playoffs. He’s averaging 10.1 points on 44.8% shooting; 45.2% from three-point range.
“It felt good out there,” Fisher said. “It’s a great time of the year. As an NBA player, there’s no better basketball to be playing.”
In the first round of the playoffs, Fisher had his hands full with Oklahoma City Thunder point guard Russell Westbrook.
It won’t get any easier for Fisher in the second round.
Williams is considered the best point guard in the NBA. His size (6 feet 3, 207 pounds) and quickness will cause problems.
Williams had 24 points on seven-for-15 shooting and eight assists in Game 1.
“His size and his ability to handle the basketball really allow him to get on the court anywhere he wants to,” Fisher said. “You really have to make him work as hard as possible to get where he’s trying to go and you have to constantly have guys supporting you and letting [you] know that they have your help, because you can’t guard him by yourself.”
Fisher was aggressive at times during the game, taking the basketball to the basket. He took only one three-pointer, which he missed.
Fisher’s first basket was a 21-foot jumper in the first quarter.
His second was a driving layup.
He made a 22-foot jumper, another driving layup and two free throws for his 10 points.
“I’m just trying to mix the game up,” Fisher said. “When my shot is going the way it is right now, I know that guys are going to try and close out hard to chase me off the three-point line, and I know that’s what their coaches are yelling at them to do, is to chase me off that three-point line.
“So I’m just trying to mix it up and take my shots when they are there, but also be smart about making those [defenders] commit to the three and then get back in and either attack for myself or make a play for other guys.”
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