Thaindian News

By Meena Kar
Los Angeles, June 18, (THAINDIAN NEWS) Pau Gasol proved his worth in Game 7 of the NBA Finals on Thursday when he dazzled alongside Kobe Bryant. Finishing with 19 points and 18 rebounds, Pau Gasol provided the much needed boost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the 4th quarter.

Boston Celtics Coach Phil Jackson had showed his disappointment earlier with the performance of his team in the Game 5 of the NBA finals. His fears came true in game 7 when Pau Gasol repeatedly penetrated the Boston Celtic defense in the final half of the game.

Boston Celtics who were already missing the big defender Kendrick Perkins, were at a complete loss in Game 6 and 7 when the Kobe Bryant led Los Angeles Lakers dominated the 4th quarter from the very start.

The NBA Finals on Thursday showed the gritty and aggressive side of Pau Gasol as he twisted and turned for every rebound and screamed wildly after giving the Los Angeles Lakers their first point in the fourth quarter. In spite of missing 2 throws in the 4th quarter with less than 7 minutes left, he made up with two crucial points (2.47 left) to give the Los Angeles Lakers a 73-68 lead.

The Los Angeles Lakers trailed behind the Boston Celtics in the first three quarters. The resurgence began in the 3rd quarter as they closed the gap between the scores with 19 points to Boston Celtics 17. The last quarter proved to be the clincher as the Los Angeles Lakers scored 30 points against 22 by the Boston Celtics.

In the absence of Kendrick Perkins, Boston Celtics coach Phil Jackson said before the game that the contest between Pau Gasol and Kevin Garnett was the most ‘intriguing’ to him. Though his prediction came true about a great contest, it was Pau Gasol and his team which had the last laugh.