Pau Gasol Dominates: FIBA Team Spain vs. Team Canada

Pau Gasol has always looked dominant in international play.  There is a different style of basketball being played.  Ball movement, player movement, and unselfishness are found on the court, especially when it comes to Team Spain.  Team Spain includes players such as Pau Gasol, Marc Gasol, and Serge Ibaka.  Team Canada includes Cory Joseph, Robert Sacre, and Kelly Olynyk.  Other NBA draft picks and free agents found on Team Canada are Dwight Powell, Melvin Ejim, Jordan Bachynski, and Carl English.  They have the talent to compete.

Team Spain was just too much for Team Canada to handle.

"Pau Gasol scored 22 points, his brother Marc and Serge Ibaka had 15 each for Spain and showed the team’s power in the zone where they have an embarrassment of riches in power forwards……But the home (Spain) side took a 20-7 lead with Pau Gasol using his power inside the key and causing all sorts of problems to the Canadian defense, while the Spanish were also effective with their three-point throws.  Spain ended the first quarter with a comfortable 25-12 lead and their dominance continued into the second quarter to take the game to 47-29 at halftime.More information can be found at the Xinhua News Agency Basketball Recap found here."

Robert Sacre was virtually ineffective, with just 2 points and 3 rebounds in roughly 14 minutes of play.  It was business as usual for Pau Gasol with 22 points on 7 of 15 from the field and 8 rebounds.  Pau Gasol’s style of play is what led to the Lakers two most recent championships.  His skill level and ability to blend with players of varying talent, allows him to play a finesse game that integrates well with teammates. The passing between Pau, marc, and Serge is something to behold.  It’s also the same skill level, that’ll land Pau Gasol in the Hall of Fame, with his jersey hung up in Staples Center, after he retires.