Former Los Angeles Lakers star Derek Fisher shares the actual story behind the enduring 0.4 second buzzer beater from 2004.
In 2004, the Los Angeles Lakers had been aiming for his or her fourth NBA Finals look in 5 years with the dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal.
After a three-peat, the Lakers had been eradicated within the Western Convention semifinals in 2003. Hoping to keep away from the identical consequence, the Lakers added Gary Payton and Karl Malone to the staff.
However when the Lakers wanted a savior, it was none aside from Derek Fisher who stepped up in Sport 5 of 2004 between West Semes and the San Antonio Spurs.
Fisher was by no means a whole star for the Los Angeles Lakers. The truth is, he by no means even had an NBA All-Star season, however was a part of the staff’s whole five-ring lineup throughout the Kobe Bryant period.
In 2004, Fisher hit his well-known game-winning hit with 0.4 seconds left in opposition to the Spurs, giving the Lakers a much-needed collection lead 3-2.
However Fisher would not have fond recollections of this iconic second, recalling: In fact, they misplaced to the Pistons within the finals. I do not need to be reminded of that.
“I do not need to bear in mind 2004, however I am unable to escape this second. That play wasn’t designed for me. For those who’re on a staff with Kobe and Shaq, that play is for you. I am not indignant about that in any respect.”
And Fisher praised Kobe and Shaq’s unimaginable “gravitational pull.”
“The gravitational pull that these two guys have, it’s actually a gravitational pull, pulling gamers in direction of them and I used to be simply standing there ready for the best second to go to open area.”
The Lakers made it to the 2004 NBA Finals, however there have been apparent cracks within the roster. The Detroit Pistons took benefit and completed the collection in simply 5 video games, recording a 4-1 victory.
Coming again to Fisher’s unimaginable shot, the five-time NBA champion gave full credit score to Gary Payton for making it occur.
“I all the time give Gary Payton a whole lot of credit score as a result of he took the ball away and most gamers would attempt to pressure the ball on a famous person in that scenario. As a result of I do not need to be the man who has to elucidate what he tried to do.”In distinction to Kobe and Shaq. ”
“I am all the time grateful that Main GP made the best resolution in basketball, and it turned out nicely. Lots of gamers would have pushed that ball to Kobe or Shaq.”
The Corridor of Fame level guard has all the time been praised for his unimaginable defensive skills. However in that second, Payton confirmed off his excessive IQ and helped the Lakers to a memorable victory.
GP’s resolution paid off, however his solely yr with the Lakers led to a heartbreaking loss within the NBA Finals.
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