I have a theory. I affectionately refer to it as the “Big Balls Theory”. A lot of basketball analysts today will be talking about the “experience” of the Lakers team and how Derek Fisher had enough big game experience to confidently knock down the tying three pointer at the end of regulation to force overtime, then subsequently knock down the back breaking three pointer in overtime which sealed the Lakers victory over the Magic. I believe that to be a load of B.S.
What Derek Fisher really has is ‘big balls’. Yes, that’s right he’s got Giant-Sized Testes. There, I said it….in the most heterosexual way possible. Is Derek Fisher the best three point shooter between the two clubs? Not even close. Did Derek Fisher play a great game giving him the confidence to shoot the most important shots of the game for the Lakers? No way, the guy stunk up the gym the entire game leading up to the big shots. So then how did he make them? Big Balls.
There are certain players in the game that want to take the big shot with the game on the line. Most of the time that person is the leader or franchise player, but quite often with time-outs and strong defensive sets forcing the ball out of the franchise player’s hands we see which role players have big balls and which do not. Robert Horry is the role player that probably has the biggest balls of any player to ever play in the league. I also think of past players like Steve Kerr and John Paxson or current players such as Chauncey Billups, Ray Allen, Ben Gordon, Michael Redd, Hedo Turkoglu…..and certainly Derek Fisher. These are not necessarily the franchise guys on their respective teams. But they are certainly the players i’d want the ball to bounce to with time winding down on the clock.
So what does the ‘Big Balls Theory’ have to do with anything? It shows that regardless of how thoroughly a team gets outplayed, as the Lakers were last night by the Magic, as long as they keep the game close they have a shot to win it in the end provided they have players with the biggest balls. If you don’t believe my theory ask yourself this question. Of all the players on both teams who can hit the highest percentage of three’s in practice with no defense? Answer: J.J. Redick. Was J.J. Redick even in the game when it mattered? No sir. His balls clearly have not developed yet….
Here’s what the other blogs are saying about last night’s Laker win to take a 3-1 NBA Finals lead:
Lakers of Fire – “The Magic had the Lakers right where they wanted them and then Derek Fisher. To be more accurate, it should be said that Jameer Nelson allowed Derek Fisher to happen. Nelson inexplicably gave D-Fish all kinds of cushion to not only catch the inbounds pass but then head up the court unencumbered and unfouled, when a non-shooting foul was clearly the smart play, and then gave him enough room to launch the game-tying three-pointer.”
Ball Don’t Lie – “As is always the case, there were self-made mistakes and mitigating factors that added to the defense-fest, with the losing team providing more of the shots to the foot. The Magic missed 15 of 37 free throws for a miserable 59.5 percent clip, absolute suicide in a game that was tied after 48 minutes. The team continued its turnover-happy ways, coughing it up 17 times in a very slow (96 possessions in 53 minutes) contest. Dwight Howard(notes) had as many turnovers (seven) as the entire Laker team.”
The No-look Pass – “Down by 3, after two missed free throws by Dwight Howard, the 0-5 on 3-point shooting Derek Fisher took the game into his own hands. With approximately 11 seconds left in regulation, the Lakers inbounded the ball from full-court and Derek Fisher pulled up and knocked down a 3 pointer with Jameer Nelson standing 15 Stretch Armstrong lengths away from a close out. Maybe it’s just me but I like the idea of fouling to prevent the three point shot. I also like the idea of guarding the perimeter when the other team needs a 3 pointer to tie. Instead, Jameer Nelson guarded Fisher as if he was trying to prevent a layup.”
Hoops Addict – “Though he has his an abundance of important, memorable shots in late game situations, given the setting of the game and of the series and the context of his recent struggles, it is difficult to recall a pair of more significant or decisive baskets in his career than the two he hit Thursday night. Fisher’s long three-pointer to force overtime with 4.6 seconds left in regulation came as everyone in Amway Arena believed Bryant would have the last shot. Despite being 0-5 from long range so far throughout the game, Fisher saw the moment and defined it instead of the other way around. In the spirit of Steve Kerr in 1997, or John Paxson in 1993, Fisher channeled other momentous shots from Finals past and delivered his own homage to luck and chance.”
True Hoop – “However long the debate about whether to foul or not to foul when leading by three rages on, both sides of the issue can agree on one thing: When the ball comes up the floor, defend the line. Stan Van Gundy will have to live with his decision not to commit a backcourt foul, but Jameer Nelson’s inability to deny Fisher the space for the shot was equally fatal. The Magic, just ten seconds away from knotting the series at 2-2”
What are your thoughts on Derek Fisher and the Lakers win in Game 4?
