The Grizzlies manhandled the TWolves tonight and Gasol went off on KG. I think Gasol is worthy of being an All-Star this year. He had a huge game on national TV, against one of the best players in the league. This is no fluke game either, Gasol has been doing this all season for the Grizzlies. Is it the beard? Perhaps, because this year's version of Gasol is an aggressive one who doesn't mind phyical contact anymore. He took it right at KG all night long and KG had problems holding his ground against Gasol. Speaking of the beard, seeing all those strap on Pau Gasol beards prior to the game was a disturbing image, especially when most of the fans wearing them were females. The Grizzlies also burned the TWolves with the three ball, nailing 12-22. Mike Miller had 5 of those 12, and was doing an amazing job of initiating the offense and finding teammates with some nifty passing. Impressive win by the Grizzlies winning 107-87.
One of the few times I've gotten to see the Griz for an extended period of time this year, and I was VERY impressed! Great performance by Pau, now he's had big games against Tim Duncan and KG this year. He's looking more and more like an All Star and the type of guy who can carry his team every day. He's becoming a true star. Also, I must give the Griz props for their three wing rotation of Miller, Battier and Eddie Jones. None does anything amazing, but they provide some of the best production from the 2-3 positions in the leauge, and they can all do a bunch of things. The Griz just have a very solid group of guys. Hopefully they'll be able to lure someone like Mike James in a trade, as I don't think Chucky is quite the answer, though Bobby Jackson ain't bad. Here's hoping that Memphis keeps it up and gets past the first round this time!!!
I thought Eddie Jones taking off and slamming it like he did when he was younger was amazing. Battier is also amazing in the way he always puts himself in a position to make plays. He was frustrating KG in the post coming from the weakside, or wrapping him up before KG could get a shot off.
I saw the game on ESPN last night and Pau really impressed me last night. I was also unimpressed by the T'Wolves getting blown out before half time yesterday. Question: Why the improvement on Gasol's game all of a sudden? Is it the beard?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting MrJ:</div><div class="quote_post">I saw the game on ESPN last night and Pau really impressed me last night. I was also unimpressed by the T'Wolves getting blown out before half time yesterday. Question: Why the improvement on Gasol's game all of a sudden? Is it the beard?</div> I don't think theres been any major improvement, I think its just that people are starting to notice his game alot more.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Laker_fan:</div><div class="quote_post">I don't think theres been any major improvement, I think its just that people are starting to notice his game alot more.</div> He's always been an All-Star caliber player, but there's still been a hell of a lot of improvement. He's being a lot more aggressive, unselfish, and has even added a midrange game to his arsenal. To see him go off on KG is nothing new though. He always has great performances against The Big Ticket, because KG was his favorite player growing up, and they also share incredible similarities in both their bodies and their games. Glad to see people outside of the city finally taking notice though.
It's not that Gasol has improved a lot, he's just getting more minutes. The past 2 seasons he was playing 31 MPG and 32 MPG. This year he's getting 39 MPG.
<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">he just had a lucky game, thats it, hes not gonna average more than 23 in his career</div> What an idiot comment. I'm not sure if I should dignify that with a serious response or not... <div class="quote_poster">Quoting Bobcats:</div><div class="quote_post">It's not that Gasol has improved a lot, he's just getting more minutes. The past 2 seasons he was playing 31 MPG and 32 MPG. This year he's getting 39 MPG.</div> You're completely wrong. Gasol has improved his game. Yes, he's always been an All-Star caliber player and just hasn't gotten the minutes to show it, but his game has still improved by leaps and bounds, and anyone who has watched him play this season would know that. Didn't you read what I posted above?
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post">You're completely wrong. Gasol has improved his game. Yes, he's always been an All-Star caliber player and just hasn't gotten the minutes to show it, but his game has still improved by leaps and bounds, and anyone who has watched him play this season would know that. Didn't you read what I posted above?</div> Did I say he didn't improve? I said he hasn't improved a lot, meaning he has, but it's not like he has turned into an upper echelon type player.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Bobcats:</div><div class="quote_post">Did I say he didn't improve? I said he hasn't improved a lot, meaning he has, but it's not like he has turned into an upper echelon type player.</div> But he has improved a lot...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NYCfinest123:</div><div class="quote_post">he just had a lucky game, thats it, hes not gonna average more than 23 in his career</div> Knicks fans Pau is deserving of an All-Star berth but i doubt he'll get it. He's too conservative and unselfish to catch the eyes of those with the say. Underappreciated and grossly underrated and always will be.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NYCfinest123:</div><div class="quote_post">he just had a lucky game, thats it, hes not gonna average more than 23 in his career</div> A wise man once said "You make your own luck." Who cares if he doesn't average 23PPG? The Grizzlies are winning games and Gasol is finally delivering for them as the go-to guy near the end of games. He abused KG in their matchup with his post game. He didn't just close his eyes, throw the ball up, and then pray it went in.
In response to the "lucky game" comment, I'll provide this evidence: Gasol vs. the Spurs (Tim Duncan): 2 games, 25.5 ppg, 8.0 rpg, 3.0 apg, 1.5 bpg, 48.8% FG Gasol vs. the Pistons (Wallaces): 2 games, 31.5 ppg, 10.0 rpg, 3.5 apg, 1.5 bpg, 52.4% FG Gasol vs. Dallas (Nowitzki): 2 games, 24.5 ppg, 6.0 rpg, 5.5 apg, 2.0 bpg, 50.0% FG Gasol vs. Sacramento (Brad Miller): 1 game, 27 points, 6 reb, 4 ast, 1 blk, 66.7% FG And of course, 30 points, 8 reb, 6 ast vs. KG and the 'Wolves. I think that his numbers this year speak for themselves. He's becoming a very, very good player, and he plays very well against the best competition in the league. Plus, he's taking his team on his back this year. If all that doesn't add up to an All Star appearance and the deserved label of "star", I don't know what does. Gasol is one of the better players in the NBA. [Ali G]Respec'[/Ali G]
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Voodoo Child:</div><div class="quote_post">But he has improved a lot...</div> Compared to last season, has he really improved a lot? I mean, his defense has improved, but that's the only thing that jumps out at me IMO. He's always been a good passer, always been efficient, and has been a good rebounder ever since his rookie season.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Bobcats:</div><div class="quote_post">Compared to last season, has he really improved a lot? I mean, his defense has improved, but that's the only thing that jumps out at me IMO. He's always been a good passer, always been efficient, and has been a good rebounder ever since his rookie season.</div> You've got his defense, his range, his toughness, and his assertiveness. Those are four traits which were pretty much nonexistant last season.
