Debo's Game 4 Reaction

Now, I know nine of out of ten people hate Kobe Bryant, but you’ve gotta admit he’s a big part of the most exciting one-sided finals we’ve seen in some time. If Orlando wasn’t in a corner after game one (Phil Jackson is 43-0 after winning game one of seven games series), they certainly are now, down 3-1 (with only one more game in Orlando).

But today, I won’t be focusing on Kobe, Dwight Howard, or any of the so-called “X-factors.” Instead, I want to highlight two players I truly enjoy watching and give a nod to the basketball gods.

I’m sure by now you’ve heard Ariza’s story. He lost his little brother at a young age when he accidentally fell from a high-rise window (while Ariza’s father was playing pro basketball, no less). Now, I’m not usually one for these kind of stories, but Ariza truly seems to wear this on his sleeve (with tattoos to prove it). He named his first-born son after his brother and speaks seriously about his brother’s impact on Ariza’s basketball career.

And now for the basketball: Ariza has been a huge part of the Lakers’ postseason with timely threes, clutch steals, and tough defensive assignments in each series. No one will forget his Denver heroics, but last night was just as impressive. After going oh-for in the first 26 minutes, Ariza began heating up, hitting big threes to keep LA close and chip away from a double-digit deficit.

After shooting 31% from behind the arc in the regular season, Ariza is now shooting 48% in the postseason!! Couple that with his consistent and timely defensive play and it’s obvious the Lakers wouldn’t be here without him.

Derek Fisher! Derek Fisher! OH SNAP, DEREK FISHER!! Two HUGE shots at the end of regulation and in overtime – this after going 0-5 until 10 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter. Two steals, no turnovers, timely fouls to prevent easy buckets, and physical D when you need it most. What more can you ask for from Old Man Fish!? Fisher has also stepped up – now shooting 40% for three (up from .067 in the conference semis). And let’s not forget a big reason he’s moved back to LA – to seek treatment for his 3-year-old daughter who is fighting a rare eye cancer.

Long story short: Sure Kobe’s focused, we know that. ESPN called me personally to make sure I got the memo. But it looks like the basketball gods are focused too. And they’re smiling on a couple of quiet role players in Hollywood.