“It’s not just about talent, it’s about character.”
— Los Angeles Lakers coach Phil Jackson, who became the most winning coach in NBA history Sunday night when his team beat the Orlando Magic 99-86 in Game 5 of the Championship series.
Jackson, who now has 10 NBA Championships, was talking about starting point guard Derek Fisher, who’s been knocked for being too old, too short, and too slow. But Fisher makes ’em when it really counts. Last Thursday Fisher made a three-pointer with seconds remaining to force overtime against the Magic and put the Lakers within one win of the national title. Last night, Fisher and Kobe Bryant both nabbed their fourth national title, while Jackson surpassed the Celtics’ Red Auerbach for the coaching record. Fisher, president of the NBA players association, credits Jackson for being “willing to stick with certain people that he believes can help get the job done.” –Jessica Shambora