Derek Fisher putting aside emotions as he helps Oklahoma City Thunder against Los Angeles Lakers – NBA Playoffs Update
The Los Angeles Lakers and the Oklahoma City Thunder are locked in an enthralling battle to move into the Western Conference Finals for the 2012 NBA playoffs. While there are stars on both sides that have taken up the headlines, there is one man in the middle
quietly tugging along despite his relevance to both sides.
Derek Fisher only recently joined the Oklahoma City Thunder after the Lakers found him surplus to requirements at the trade deadline, sending him away. Fisher though now seems on the right side, with his Oklahoma City team leading the series 3 – 1 and pushing
the Lakers ever closer to elimination.
For Fisher, this is no doubt an emotional time. He has a point to prove to the Lakers, whom he served so well for so many years, and with whom he won 5 NBA World Championships. He also does have an attachment; with the fans, with the arena, with his teammates
and with Kobe Bryant.
As he watches the Lakers super star puff and huff to help his Lakers along, he doesn’t show much compassion though, at least not on the court. There Derek hounds his former teammate and long-time friend like any other OKC player; he tries to score against
him and tries to stop him with all his might, because that is the most important part.
According to Fisher, that’s what he learned playing alongside Kobe.
“As much history as we have, there’s no holding back in terms of trying to advance to win the championship,” Fisher said. “Personal friends or brothers or however close you are to somebody, it’s about winning. He knows that better than anybody.”
“I learned that and accomplished that right alongside with him, and so we feel the same way.”
For their part, the Thunder have welcomed the veteran with open arms from day 1. They were happy to have a player of his experience and nous on board from the beginning, and head coach Scott Brooks keeps on emphasizing his importance to the young team.
“I can never emphasize that enough: He’s a winner, and you can never have enough of those on your team. He has won before. He has won at a high level and many championships.”
Currently, it looks like the veteran guard will get one over his former club in the Western Conference Semi Final series.
Tags: