Fisher’s clutch threes rescue Lakers in Game 4 of 2009 NBA Finals
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On June 11, 2009, point guard Derek Fisher erased a late deficit with two critical three-pointers, helping the Los Angeles Lakers defeat the Orlando Magic 99-91 in overtime in Game 4 of the NBA Finals at Amway Arena.
Orlando led 12 points at halftime behind center Dwight Howard’s interior defense and 21 rebounds. The Magic still held an 87-82 advantage in the closing minute of regulation after forward Hedo Turkoglu, who scored a team-high 25, converted two clutch jumpers.
Lakers forward Pau Gasol trimmed the gap with a basket, but Kobe Bryant’s foul sent Howard to the free-throw line with 11.1 seconds left and a chance to seal the game. Howard missed both attempts, setting up the final possession. Trevor Ariza, who had scored 13 of his 16 points in the third quarter, found Fisher on the right wing, and the veteran guard buried a three to tie the score at 87 and force overtime.
Bryant opened the extra period with two buckets, yet Orlando pulled even at 91. When the Magic doubled Bryant in the post, he kicked the ball to a wide-open Fisher, who drilled his second three-pointer of the night with 31 seconds remaining. Orlando went scoreless the rest of the way, and Los Angeles closed on an 8-0 run.
Bryant finished with a game-best 32 points, seven rebounds and eight assists, while Gasol added 16 points and 10 boards. Fisher, 0-for-5 from long range before his decisive shots, ended with 12 points. Howard tallied 21 points and 21 rebounds for Orlando.
The victory gave the Lakers a 3-1 series lead. Three days later they secured the championship in Game 5, earning the franchise’s first title since 2002 and the fourth rings for both Bryant and Fisher.
Source: Lakers Nation
