Playoffs 2000:Getting to the point: Fisher vs. Williams

Getting to the point: Fisher vs. Williams
By Fred Carter
Special to ESPN.com

No. 8 Kings (44-38) vs. No. 1 Lakers (67-15)

NBA 2Night analyst Fred Carter knows all about the importance of guard play in the Association. When he was playing back in the early-1970s and earning his nickname "Mad Dog," Carter was an energetic guard who put up impressive numbers in scoring and assists while with the Baltimore Bullets and Philadelphia 76ers.
Throughout the 2000 playoffs, Mad Dog will share his thoughts on the starting point guards for all 16 playoff teams in our exclusive "Getting to the Point" feature.


	Fisher

DEREK FISHER
Team: Lakers
Seasons: 4
Ppg: 6.3 | Apg: 2.8 | Rpg: 1.8

When he's on: Derek Fisher has the speed and quickness to guard the smaller point guards, which is a problem for Ron Harper. Harper's lateral quickness has been hampered by bad legs, so Fisher is able to provide what Harper might lack. Fisher can also make the standing 3-pointer. He has adjusted well to the triangle offense.

When he's off: Phil Jackson won't let him hurt the team for long. Jackson will take Fisher out of the game if he's going poorly. It usually means he is getting beat defensively, but I don't think Fisher will get beat too often because opposing point guards will then run into Shaquille O'Neal. If Fisher isn't making his shot, someone else will come into the game, or Kobe Bryant can move to the point, with Rick Fox entering the game to join Glen Rice or Robert Horry.


	Williams

JASON WILLIAMS
Team: Kings
Seasons: 2
Ppg: 12.5 | Apg: 7.4 | Rpg: 2.9

When he's on: Jason Williams gives everybody thrills with all his great passing. At times, Williams can light it up with 3-pointers. If his game is toned down in the playoffs, he has the great court vision and creativity to get his teammates involved. He just needs to combine his skills and talent with sound judgment.

When he's off: He is giving everybody a chill with his passing and shooting, especially coach Rick Adelman. He can easily shoot the Kings out of games and exercise poor judgment with his shot selection and passing. He has a tendency to force things. Plus, he is a poor defensive player. Williams committed a team-high 296 turnovers (3.7 per game), and those miscues often prompt Adelman to go with backup Jon Barry in crunch time.

What to expect: Jason Williams is a difficult matchup for Fisher because Williams has no conscience about shot selection. It will be tough for Fisher to guard a player who is so unpredictable. The main thing for Fisher will be to not let Williams break him down and get in the lane. He must keep Williams on the perimeter, minimize what Williams does, keep the pressure on him and force him to make difficult passes, which will lead to turnovers.

The Lakers will try to play tough defense on Williams and should force him to turn the ball over more than normal. Fisher will get in his face and not allow room for Williams to be creative in the open court. I expect the Lakers to have the upper hand on Williams and take advantage of his erratic nature.