Mattie T’s Game 4 Recap of the 2009 NBA Finals
Written by The Go-To-Man Mattie T. on June 13, 2009
Derek Fisher did something on Thursday night that topped his infamous “00.4” shot to win a playoff game.
This time around, Fisher brought the Lakers one step closer to winning their 15th NBA Championship.
The Lakers’ veteran point guard hit a clutch game-tying three in the waning seconds in regulation & the go-ahead three in overtime, which lifted the Los Angeles to a 99-91 win over Orlando.
Fisher’s game-tying bucket was set up thanks to two HUGE missed free throws by Dwight Howard with 11.1 seconds left & Orlando nursing a 3-point lead.
It was also set up by Magic head coach Stan Van Gundy, who decided not to foul just seconds before Fisher rose up over Jameer Nelson for the game-tying basket.
Van Gundy also took criticism for not playing Rafer Alston during a tight fourth quarter, who started out 4-for-5 from the field but struggled down the stretch as he could only watch Jameer Nelson run the offense.
The Lakers got a much-needed boost from Trevor Ariza, who delivered his best game of the series with 16 points (all scored in 2nd half ) & scored 9 rebounds as he helped Los Angeles dominate the 3rd quarter during their comeback victory.
Kobe Bryant had 8 assists for the 4th consecutive Finals game & scored 32 points despite shooting just 11-for-31 (35.5%) from the field.
Thursday’s Game 4 Finals road win in Orlando was the first for the Lakers since their 2002 clincher in New Jersey against the Nets to finish off a 4-game sweep & complete the 3-peat.
Orlando has not lost back-to-back home games at Amway Arena since March 25th, 2008 (107-97 loss to San Antonio & April 1st, 2008 (98-97 loss to New Orleans).
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