By Jeff Lenchiner / InsideHoops.com

InsideHoops.com: You've always played hard, but about three or four weeks ago you started producing more with each court minute you received, and in turn started getting more time. I heard that some personal event occured in your life, and if you don't feel like sharing it then don't, but, whatever you want to say about your stepping things up on the court...

Marcus Fizer: Right before training camp began, I had a couple deaths in the family, friends of the family... I was close.... one was 18 years old, the other was 21 years old. And they died in something that took a toll on me, something that... I got behind on conditioning. My spirits went down. And, I went through that stretch where Lonny was playing better than me, and coach gave him an opportunity to play... it was my wakeup call and I began to get in and work harder and practice harder. So the time came for me to get back on the floor and work and not waste time.

InsideHoops.com So in a way, is it almost like you're playing for them...

Marcus Fizer: I'm living for them, because they can't. I never question God, I never ask why. It's just some things in life. Those two things in particular, I just can't understand, but. Like I said, I'm not in a place to question Him.


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