Derek Fisher’s Legendary 0.4-Second Buzzer-Beater: A Moment Frozen in NBA History
The 2004 Western Conference Semifinals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the San Antonio Spurs was a clash of two basketball powerhouses. With the series tied at 2-2, Game 5 was pivotal, and it delivered one of the most jaw-dropping moments in NBA history—a shot that defied time, logic, and belief. Derek Fisher’s 0.4-second game-winning shot became an instant classic and a defining moment of his career.
The Setting: A Playoff Battle for the Ages
The Lakers, led by the dominant duo of Kobe Bryant and Shaquille O’Neal, were seeking their fourth championship in five years. Meanwhile, the defending champion Spurs, anchored by Tim Duncan, Tony Parker, and Manu Ginóbili, were determined to hold their ground and continue their dominance. Each game in the series was a grueling battle, filled with physical play, strategic adjustments, and championship-level intensity.
Game 5, played at the Spurs’ home court, the SBC Center (now AT&T Center), proved to be an absolute thriller. Both teams fought tooth and nail, with neither able to build a comfortable lead. As the game reached its final moments, the tension inside the arena was palpable.
Tim Duncan’s Almost-Game-Winner
With just seconds remaining, the Lakers clung to a precarious 72-71 lead. The Spurs had one last possession, and they went to their MVP and franchise cornerstone, Tim Duncan. Closely guarded by Shaquille O’Neal, Duncan executed an off-balance, leaning fadeaway jumper from just inside the free-throw line. The shot miraculously went in, giving the Spurs a 73-72 lead with only 0.4 seconds left on the clock.
The crowd erupted in celebration, believing that Duncan had just sealed the game for San Antonio. With virtually no time remaining, it seemed impossible for the Lakers to respond. But what happened next was nothing short of miraculous.
The Impossible Shot: Derek Fisher’s 0.4-Second Miracle
Phil Jackson, the Lakers’ legendary coach, quickly called a timeout to draw up a play. The Lakers had to inbound the ball from the sideline with only 0.4 seconds left—a fraction of a second barely enough for a catch-and-shoot, but not enough to allow for any hesitation.
Gary Payton inbounded the ball, and Derek Fisher, one of the most clutch role players in Lakers history, made his move. Sprinting to the left side of the floor, he caught the pass, turned in one motion, and launched an impossible fadeaway jumper over Manu Ginóbili.
The ball left his fingertips just in time.
As the buzzer sounded, the ball swished through the net. Silence engulfed the arena. The Spurs players looked on in disbelief. The officials reviewed the shot to confirm it was released before the clock expired. After a tense review, the ruling was clear: the basket counted.
Derek Fisher had just delivered one of the most clutch shots in NBA playoff history.
Aftermath: The Shot That Changed the Series
Fisher, overcome with emotion, sprinted off the court, knowing the Spurs had no chance to respond. The Lakers had stolen Game 5 in stunning fashion, taking a 3-2 series lead.
The impact of Fisher’s shot went beyond just one game. It shifted the momentum entirely in the Lakers’ favor. They went on to win Game 6 in Los Angeles, closing out the series and advancing to the Western Conference Finals. Although they ultimately lost to the Detroit Pistons in the NBA Finals, Fisher’s heroics in San Antonio remain one of the most unforgettable moments in Lakers history.
Legacy of the 0.4-Second Shot
Fisher’s game-winner is often cited among the greatest buzzer-beaters in NBA history. The precision, poise, and execution under pressure cemented his reputation as one of the league’s most clutch players.
The shot also highlighted the beauty and drama of basketball—where games are never truly over until the final buzzer sounds. Even in the face of near-impossible odds, one moment of brilliance can change everything.
For Lakers fans, “0.4” became more than just a number; it became a symbol of resilience, belief, and championship pedigree.
Final Thoughts
Derek Fisher’s 0.4-second game-winner against the Spurs will forever be etched in NBA history. It was a moment that showcased the essence of basketball: skill, precision, and the sheer unpredictability of the game.
Even two decades later, fans still marvel at Fisher’s shot, reliving the moment that left the Spurs stunned and solidified his place among the game’s clutch legends.
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