Gasol Isn't Sweating Dip in His Scoring

<div class="quote_poster">Quote:</div><div class="quote_post">Grizzlies forward Pau Gasol stood and watched his scoring average dip below 20 points over the past 10 games.

So why is he still smiling?

"Our perimeter guys are making shots," the 7-foot Spaniard said after almost manufacturing a triple double with 15 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists in a win against Utah last Sunday.
The Griz have won three straight games heading into tonight's game with the Indiana Pacers in FedExForum.

Every victory adds more glue to their hold on the franchise's third straight postseason berth.

That Gasol hasn't performed the usual and led the team in scoring during that span is hardly a problem.

With opposing defenses sending double- and triple-team coverage at Gasol, the Griz have enjoyed strong guard play of late.

Chucky Atkins scored a team-high 20 points against the Jazz. Reserve Mike Miller dropped in a career-high 41 points on the Denver Nuggets last Friday. Veteran Eddie Jones delivered on both ends of the court over the past week, averaging 14 points, five rebounds and three steals in three games.

Just when teams thought that crowding Gasol would be an effective strategy, the Grizzlies' backcourt forced the opposition to think again.

"Pau has confidence in us to pass us the ball. And he knows if we don't have the shot we're going to give it back to him," Atkins said. "Obviously, he's our first option but if teams are going to double team off us, we've got to make them pay."

Atkins operates as the catalyst for the team's sudden guarded optimism.

He's increased his scoring production since joining the Grizzlies as a free agent on Jan. 23, averaging 11.7 points in 27 games (23 starts), compared with the 9.1 points per game with the Washington Wizards.

"I don't want to jinx the guy. But I've thought since Day 1 he's played well for us," Jones said. "We ask him to take those shots. We know Chucky will make those shots."

Atkins' looks at the basket are by design: wide open and from beyond the arc.

This month, Atkins has averaged 15 points on 46-percent shooting (50 percent from beyond the arc). He's connected on 92 percent of his free throws.

"We need guys to step up, especially at this time of year," Gasol said. "Chucky is coming to the ball well and doing a good job of making the defense make a decision. Sometimes I try to go to the (basket) and force the issue so that we can get fouls and get in the penalty. You have to strike the right balance. It's up to me to read the situation and make good decisions. Of course, when Mike, Chucky, Eddie and Shane (Battier) are making shots, then it makes it easier for me." </div>

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