NBA Playoffs 2012: Why Derek Fisher Will Lift OKC Thunder over the Hump

Last year, the Oklahoma CIty Thunder made the Western Conference finals. Then, they lost to Dirk Nowitzki and the Mavericks, without that extra piece to guide them to victory.

Derek Fisher is that piece.

The longtime Laker switched teams midseason, and although he hasn't done much thus far, he has much playoff experience. In Game 2 against the Mavs, Fisher shot very well, scoring 11 points in OKC's 102-99 win over Dallas.

Fisher might not get much playing time, but if he takes advantage of the floor time he gets, the minutes will pile up, and, eventually, Fisher will play most of the game.

After all, he has won five championships, and he could have six by postseason's end.

With James Harden and Russell Westbrook on the Thunder as well, Fisher will have another guard to pass him the ball and set him up for good shots. When Fisher plays the point, he can pass and set Kevin Durant and teammates up for good shots.

The 37-year-old Fisher didn't do much during the regular season, averaging under six points per game, but if he turns it on in the playoffs, he can and will be a valuable piece for Scott Brooks and the Thunder. Fisher hasn't been very consistent in the playoffs, but at times, he can turn it on and light up the scoreboard.

Fisher can drive, finish, pass and shoot. Sometimes, he just shoots, and the ball just drops through the hoop. In Game 2, Fisher scored eight points in 3:57 of action, including a jumper from the left corner at the first quarter buzzer.

Thanks to Fisher, the Thunder were able to build a 46-30 lead, which they ended up relinquishing. However, with OKC up 89-88, Fisher drained a three to boost OKC's lead by three points, which ended up being the final margin.

When Fisher isn't shooting well, which does happen, Westbrook, Harden, Durant, and the team can and will pick up the slack. In first-round action thus far, Durant hasn't been knocking down the shots he usually does, but when he does, Oklahoma City will be that much better.

With Serge Ibaka down low, Durant and Westbrook putting up points (both of them), assists (Westbrook), and rebounds (Durant), Harden shooting the ball well, and Nick Collison and the bench producing, there's no reason to believe this team can't win it all.

However, if they make the Finals and come face to face with LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, Chris Bosh, and the Heat, they might need someone else to lift them over the hump.

That someone is Derek Fisher.

In a tight game, if the Thunder need someone to make a play, Fisher is the guy. He has range, so any shot he takes has a good chance of falling. He can drive, and when he's on the drive, he can kick the ball out for an open jumper.

While he may not be a great option for heavy minutes, Fisher will be key in short-term situations. If the Thunder need a quick basket or good distribution on the floor, Fisher's the guy.

In the playoffs, those situations come up a lot. He lifted the Thunder over the hump in Game 2, so there's no reason he can't do it in the rest of the playoffs.

Because Fisher will lift Oklahoma City over the hump.