The Lakers have now advanced to the second round and will now face the Dallas Mavericks. They had a little trouble getting through the Hornets and partly because Pau Gasol was not playing like his usual self, especially in the first couple of games. As the series went on he began to hit some strides, but in order to be successful and and for the Lakers to continue to pursue their third straight title they need Pau to be his usual self. Ever since Pau arrived to Los Angeles he has been such a phenomenal player that has taken a great load off Kobe Bryant. It is easy to forgot how dominant he has been in the past, so this week we will take a look at Gasol’s top playoff performances for the purple and gold and hopefully we will have a few more performances to add after this season.
5.
The Lakers faced the Nuggets in the first round of the 2008 playoffs and in Pau Gasol first playoff game as a Laker he would delivered a great performance by scoring 36 points and grabbing 16 rebounds. His debut in the post season was extraordinary and it set the tone for the series as they would beat the Nuggets in four straight games.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I3uRT0SnneY&feature=related
4.
In 2010, the Lakers ran into the Utah Jazz in the second round of the playoffs and had a 3 games to nothing lead in the series. Smelling blood, the Lakers went into Utah trying to complete the sweep and did so behind a strong performance from Pau Gasol. The big Spaniard had a game high 33 points and 14 rebounds for the Lakers and more importantly the win gave the Lakers some much needed rest and recovery time for the next round.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HH3ej8TBhLQ
Next: Clutch!
[phpbay]Los Angeles Lakers, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]
3.
Great playoff performances usually consist of great statistics, but putting up big numbers is not the only way to have great performances. Pau Gasol had a modest 9 points against the Thunder in game six as the Lakers tried to finish off the Thunder on the road to avoid a game seven at Staples Center. The young Thunder team had given the Lakers trouble all series, but Gasol also had 18 rebounds and as time was expiring in the game the Lakers were down by one but Gasol was able to get an offensive rebound and hit the game winning layup for the Lakers as time expired. Although it was not his strongest statistical performance, he delivered in time to give the purple and gold the victory.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XAqNjKbftws&feature=related
2.
Pau Gasol’s toughness was questioned in the 2008 NBA Finals, so when the Lakers met the Celtics in the 2010 NBA Finals it was an opportunity for the Pau Gasol to redeem himself. In Game 1 at the Staples Center Gasol dominated down low as he finished with a double-double: 23 points and 14 boards. The Lakers got the victory but Gasol proved to everyone that he could hold his own against the hated Celtics.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7V_U8-_sTI8&NR=1&feature=fvwp
Next: Performing under the Brightest Lights
[phpbay]Los Angeles Lakers, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]
1.
Everyone who has ever dreamed of playing in the NBA has imagined playing in Game 7 of the NBA Finals and hoisting the Larry O’Brien Trophy at the end of it all. The Lakers were able to accomplish that dream last year and that was partly due to a great performance by Pau Gasol. He scored 19 points and controlled the glass with an impressive 18 rebounds. His strong play and control of the paint gave the Lakers a huge advantage and that led the way to the Lakers getting the win but what was even sweeter that it was for all the marbles and it came at the expense of the Celtics.
httpvhd://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mHZuaKcriSg
The quest for number 17 will take a complete team effort and Pau Gasol’s dominance inside along with Andrew Bynum. Hopefully we will have more instances to add to this list soon.
[phpbay]Los Angeles Lakers, 3, “”, “”[/phpbay]