Fisher knows all about being one of 'others'

HOUSTON — Utah's Derek Fisher understands the danger in trying to contain Yao Ming and Tracy McGrady in the hope other Rockets won't score.

The Jazz guard was one of the "others" who stepped up when teams employed that tactic against Shaquille O'Neal and Kobe Bryant during the Los Angeles Lakers' run of three straight titles from 2000-2002.

Yao and McGrady carried the load in Houston's 84-75 win over the Jazz in Game 1, but as the teams prepare for Game 2 on Monday, Fisher knows overlooking the Rockets' other weapons could be dangerous.

"I think it's just difficult when you decide that you're going just wipe two guys out and allow everyone else to play," Fisher said. "They're in the NBA also. They may not be as talented as Tracy or Yao, but they're good basketball players."

Fisher remembers his time in Los Angeles when he averaged 8.4 points and almost three assists in the finals. In the 2002 finals sweep of New Jersey, he connected on 8 of 12 3-point attempts.

"I made a living myself playing around two guys that people thought you could just guard those two and leave everybody else open," he said. "Guys are good enough in this league to make you pay."