Memphis Grizzlies are on a plane, flying home after a Game 4 loss at Golden State Warriors. It's quiet on the plane. The series is tied 2-2.
Coach Sloan wants to have a talk with Marc Gasol. Marc is struggling so far this series averaging 14/10 on 35% shooting. Without star forward Zach Randolph (torn MCL), the Grizzlies need more from Gasol who, just a few months ago, was the starting C for Western Conference All-Star team. Sloan is 'to the point' type of coach. He will tell you as it is. He says that he does not want to see Mike Conley, Courtney Lee or Mike Miller taking over offensively. Win or Lose, he wants to see Gasol dominate the Golden State Warriors frontline. Yes, DeAndre Jordan is a phenomenal defender but it is time for Gasol to step up and show what he can do even against the best defenders in CSL.
Game 5 at home is an embarrassing 93-112 loss. Embarrassing if you look at the result from high level. Gasol, though, had an amazing game with 27 points, 13 boards on 50% FG (8-16) and 85% FT (11-13).
Despite the loss coach Sloan is happy. 'We have awakened a sleeping giant' he says at the post game press conference.
Game 6 at Golden State - the Grizzlies lose one of their best scorers Kevin Martin for the rest of the playoffs to a broken hand. Grizzlies lose a close first quarter 32-33. Pau Gasol, Marc's older brother whose Bulls have been eliminated from the playoffs 4 days earlier, is sitting behind the Grizzlies bench. After the first quarter he comes over to Marc - 'It's your time' - he says. Marc is focused - he knows its step up or go home. He plays the entire quarter like a ferocious beast - scoring 16 out Memphis' 21 points and holding the Warriors to 12. He demands the ball inside. With Jordan injured, the Warriors have no hope at stopping Mark. Gasol finished the game with 36 points and 15 boards while attempting and making more FTs that the entire GS team.
Grizzlies heading back to Memphis for Game 7 - Gasol is fired up. He can't wait for the game to start. Looks like he saved the best for last. He goes out and singlehandedly finishes the Warriors' season with a career high 42 points and 16 rebounds. He finished the last three games averaging 35 points, 14.6 rebounds, 57.6% shooting and 84% FTs.
New challenge ahead as Tony Allen and the Minnesota Timberwolves are arriving to Memphis for first 2 games of the 2nd round of CSL Playoffs. With Zach and K-Mart gone form the season, Marc Gasol will again be asked to carry this team. 'I am ready' - he says. You better believe it.
2028
