Derek Fisher frustrated with LA Lakers' win against Minnesota Timberwolves
The defending champions Los Angeles Lakers are having a great start this season as they posted their eighth win in as many games when they defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 99-94, on Tuesday
9 November, but their co-captain was not happy.
Veteran point guard Derek Fisher blasted his teammates for what he called a “disrespectful” approach to their game because he feels that they underestimated the Timberwolves, who are in the
cellar of the western conference standings with a 1-7 record.
“The way we played tonight was irresponsible and it was reckless and it was disrespectful,” said the five-time champion point guard. “I can't get any clearer than that. There was an air of
complacency, of arrogance, of we don't have to play as hard as the other team to win, that I didn't like tonight.”
However, when the 36-year-old guard was asked about what actually made him angry, Fisher did not give a specific answer, but he’s obviously frustrated with their game. “I don't even have
to look at a stat sheet,” he said. “I don't know what the numbers are, what the stats are, we just didn't play the game the way it was supposed to be played.”
Fisher also added that he failed to address it to his team-mates during the game, but he’s hoping that his action will send a strong message to the rest of the team that they should always
play with a sense of urgency. “I think prior to tonight we've done a fairly good job in respecting each opponent and each game for what it presents. Tonight we did not do that. It's that simple,” he said.
The Timberwolves came out more aggressive than the Lakers, out-rebounding the defending champions, 54-42, and 26-14 in the offensive boards. Kevin Love finished the game with 24 rebounds,
which was two more than the 22-rebound combined output of Pau Gasol, Lamar Odom, and Ron Artest.
Minnesota finished the game with 27 turnovers, but the Lakers only forced nine of it, which according to Fisher is a clear indication that they did not exerted enough effort defensively.
“We just finished playing the game and so obviously my emotions are higher now than they might be tomorrow, but that's just how I feel about it,” said Fisher, who had to play until the final
buzzer along with the other starters because they failed to build a comfortable lead against the struggling team.
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