The absence of two key players for the Lakers tonight gave the Glory Team a chance to overturn their opponents.
Derek Fisher and Tracy McGrady were both sidelined due to physical discomfort, reduced to being cheerleaders on the sidelines.
These two young players from 96 and 97 played important roles in the Lakers' championship run last year.
After Jide was traded away, Fisher moved to the starting Point Guard position, and as a Point Guard in the Triangle Offense system, he accomplished his tasks quite well.
Meanwhile, Jerry West insisted on keeping McGrady and refused to trade him. By the 2000-2001 season, he had grown into the team's second-leading scorer and the best ball-handling isolation player on the Lakers' perimeter—even though his efficiency needed improvement, having him was better than not having him.
However, McGrady also exposed his relatively fragile side last season, with multiple minor injuries during the high-intensity playoff games.
