Latest news with #Pau
Yahoo
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"Kevin Garnett literally posted him deep in the lane, knocked him down, and dunked the ball" - Phil Jackson recalls the Finals play that fueled Pau Gasol to work on his strength
"Kevin Garnett literally posted him deep in the lane, knocked him down, and dunked the ball" - Phil Jackson recalls the Finals play that fueled Pau Gasol to work on his strength originally appeared on Basketball Network. Phil Jackson deeply understood the emotional toll that the Los Angeles Lakers experienced after their loss to the Boston Celtics in the 2008 NBA Finals. While Kobe Bryant was undeniably the team's leader and driving force, "The Zen Master" also felt the heavy disappointment that weighed on Lakers' All-Star big man Pau Gasol. Advertisement The memory of that series remains vivid for Coach Jackson, particularly one specific play that served as a turning point in his perspective on Gasol. Despite Pau's impressive skills and relentless effort on the court throughout that playoff run, it became clear to Phil that he was not yet equipped to handle the intense physicality that NBA championship basketball demands. For Jackson, this realization highlighted the challenges the team was about to face if they really wanted to get back to their winning ways. Moreover, it also served as a rude awakening for Gasol. "The humbling defeat by the Celtics during the Finals was a challenge to Pau," the legendary coach reflected. "In the final game, early in the first period, Kevin Garnett literally posted him deep in the lane, knocked him down, and dunked the ball. Probably an offensive foul, but not a call in that Finals." Pau took it personally Like what Jackson sensed in his star power forward at the time, Gasol was also devastated. Though it was only Pau's first trip to the NBA Finals, the feeling of being so close to capturing the coveted championship and ultimately failing left the Spaniard dejected. Advertisement Instead of staying depressed, Gasol took it upon himself to spend the summer getting better. With the unwavering moral support of Coach Jackson and Kobe, "Meal Ticket" found the strength to rise again. He dedicated himself wholeheartedly to rigorous workouts, channeling his energy into building and strengthening his body. "Pau took the challenge and worked on his strength game and was able to fight back in the 2010 Finals," Jackson fondly recalled. As the muscles in his body were developing, Gasol's mind was undergoing a transformation as well. He was laser-focused on achieving nothing short of a championship victory next season, determined to not only contribute to the legacy of the storied franchise but also achieve his ultimate goal. With the entire Lakers organization rallying behind him, Pau felt the immense encouragement that fueled his ambition and drive. The combination of physical conditioning and mental fortitude set the stage for the versatile big man's inspiring comeback, reaffirming his commitment to winning the chip. Advertisement "It had a big effect. The frustration and the pain that it caused us and me personally," Gasol confided as he looked back at the Lakers' championship loss in '08. "It definitely fueled me. It made me a better player. It made me work harder. It made me more prepared. It made me more determined about winning a championship." "Kobe was the same way," he continued. "He had that fire in him. He wanted to win it so badly. That's why he always motivated me along with Phil to be the best version of myself and to be the best player that I could be. To push me and challenge me to be better, I took that personally. That's what mattered to me. It wasn't so much about comments made on the outside. It was a feeling that we didn't get this one, but we're going to do everything we can to get the next one. We put ourselves in a position to do that, and we did," Pau explained. Related: "Dad, you at 17, me at 17, who was better? I said, 'Listen, son...'" - Dominique Wilkins on the moment he realized his son didn't know how great of a player he was Pau got his revenge Just as how he envisioned it, Gasol bounced back stronger in the 2008-09 season. He showcased his all-around skills throughout the year, playing a pivotal role in leading the Lakers to an NBA championship victory over the Orlando Magic. Advertisement Building on this success, the six-time All-Star even elevated his performance to new heights in the following season. Pau delivered the most outstanding playoff performances of his NBA career, impressively averaging 19.6 points, 11.1 rebounds, and 2.1 blocks per game in the 2009-10 postseason. What made this achievement even more significant was Gasol's chance to redeem the Lakers after their disappointing defeat in the '08 Finals. In a thrilling rematch, the Lakers faced off against the Celtics once again. Alongside Andrew Bynum, Gasol played a crucial role in helping his team secure the chip in seven hard-fought games and finally avenging their upsetting defeat. "Of course, Andrew Bynum was unable to play due to injury in the 2008 Finals," Phil further recounted. "But he was injury-free in the 2009 win over Orlando and the seven-game series vs the Celtics in 2010. He and Pau were a potent force together with that Laker team." Advertisement In retrospect, Gasol's championship journey with the Lakers is not only defined by his resilience and talent. It also solidified his place as a key figure in the franchise's history. Related: "They don't think he passes to Pau enough" - Grizzlies fans turned on Jason Williams for not getting the ball to Gasol sufficiently This story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
The Irish Sun
a day ago
- Sport
- The Irish Sun
‘I'm angry' – Ronan O'Gara slates ‘main culprit' of La Rochelle's ‘wasted season' after play-off blow
RONAN O'Gara was unsparing in his criticism after La Rochelle missed out on a place in the Top 14 play-offs - particularly towards himself. His side were leapfrogged for the last play-off place by Castres after they fell to a 32-18 away defeat to Pau. Advertisement 2 They had been in sixth place before the final round of regular season fixtures Credit: AFP 2 The loss to eight-placed Pau ensured they dropped down to seventh Credit: AFP It was an especially bitter pill to swallow since they had seemed to be out the other side of a dismal four-month win-less stretch from January-April. Being overtaken by a solitary point in the standings would have rubbed further salt in the wound. Reflecting on the club missing out on the French post-season for the first time since 2018, the Munster icon made no attempt to hide what a body blow it came as. He admitted: "It's the end of a cycle. We need new ideas, new players, new tactics, a complete overhaul, and much more consistency… Advertisement Read More On Irish Sport "How can we play like that in such an important match? "There were some similarities with the team that had just won five in a row, but we were a bit like the team we saw in February, March, and April. "When we had our backs against the wall, we won five games to give ourselves the chance to play a 'round-of-16 match' tonight. "I feel like we just thought we'd turn up and do the job, but sport isn't like that. Pau deserved to win… Advertisement Most read in Rugby Union 'The coach was especially missing. We talk about discipline all week, but when the coach is suspended, he can't have any impact. "The main culprit is me. I'm frustrated, angry, disappointed. And I'm sad for the fans after all the bad games they have had. 'Big weekend' - Peter O'Mahony embarking on hectic gardening project as he aims to add '300 plants' "I'm sad for Brice (Dulin), I'm very sad for Tawera (Kerr-Barlow). He deserves much more than this.' The suspension he alluded to was dished out Advertisement The 48-year-old was last month slapped with it by French authorities for 'actions against a match official" during a January loss to Toulon. The severity of the ban seemingly led to a protest from O'Gara prior to his side's 30-29 victory over Vannes on May 10. While the veteran pair in retiring Brice Dulin and Stade Francais-bound Tawera Kerr-Barlow he mentioned are departing, there is some grounds for optimism based off their incoming player additions. Advertisement France scrum-half Nolann Le Garrec, 23, jumps out among four arrivals for the 2025/2026 season. The others are Semi Lagivala, 22, Davit Niniashvili, 22, and Ugo Pacome, 20, are the others as it's clear the well-financed outfit are embarking on a youth movement. O'Gara is contracted with the south-western club until 2027 and has repeatedly said he intends to honour that contract rather than move on to pastures new.
South Wales Argus
29-05-2025
- Sport
- South Wales Argus
Cai Evans eyeing autumn comeback after new Dragons deal
The 25-year-old is on the comeback trail after rupturing his right Achilles in the European Challenge Cup defeat to Pau in January. Evans is eyeing an autumn comeback and has agreed a fresh deal with the club that will keep him at Rodney Parade for at least one year, with clauses for an option beyond that. The twice-capped back will add to the 20 appearances he has made since heading east from the Ospreys, fuelled by a frustrating campaign. Evans missed the start of last season with a hamstring problem and went off just 35 minutes into his comeback game at Connacht. He returned in the winter but then his Achilles snapped as he was getting into position to claim a high ball against Pau, ending his campaign after just six outings. BLOW: Cai Evans ruptured his right Achilles in the Dragons' loss to Pau (Image: Chris Fairweather/Huw Evans Agency) He said: 'I'm delighted to re-sign with the Dragons, a proud club, and I'm grateful for the opportunity once again to showcase my ability. 'I am driven to move forward from what has been a challenging season with significant injuries, and I am massively thankful for the support I've received from the staff and my teammates. 'What hasn't wavered is my self-belief, and I can't wait to get my boots back on and play in front of a rocking Rodney Parade soon. 'The drive on the pitch is to achieve more consistent and winning performances. The signings we've made, alongside a talented group of young players, will hopefully turn these narrow losses into wins. I can't wait to be a part of it.' Evans and Angus O'Brien can play both 10 and 15, new signing Tinus de Beer and Wales Under-20s international Harri Ford are contenders at fly-half while Huw Anderson had a breakthrough season and is an option at full-back along with Ewan Rosser. The Dragons released Lloyd Evans and Jordan Williams at the end of last season while playmaker Will Reed cut short his contract in order to get regular game time with Worcester in the English Championship. DEAL: Dragons full-back/fly-half Cai Evans has signed a new contract (Image: Gruffydd Thomas/Huw Evans Agency) Evans will add to head coach Filo Tiatia's options after the opening months of a campaign, which gets under way on at Ulster on Friday, September 26. 'We're pleased that Cai is staying with us and looking forward to him coming back to full fitness,' said the boss. 'Cai has been unfortunate over the last 12 months, particularly as he was producing some good performances before his injury. 'His ability to play in both the 10 and 15 jersey is an asset to our squad and he is a hard-working individual who is determined and focussed on making a successful playing return next season.'
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kobe Bryant swore to never play with a dominant center after Shaquille O'Neal left: "Michael didn't, and Kobe didn't want to either"
Gary Vitti had a front-row seat to Kobe Bryant's iconic career. Right after Shaquille O'Neal left the Los Angeles Lakers, Vitti revealed that Bryant was eager to prove that he could achieve greatness and lead the team without "Diesel." The former Lakers athletic trainer still vividly recalls the moment Bryant voiced his thoughts on never wanting to coexist with a dominant center like Shaq again. Advertisement "Kobe had finally accepted that he needed a low-post player to win. Kobe didn't want to play with a dominant center. Michael didn't, and Kobe didn't want to either. He told me that," Vitti told "After the Shaq trade [in 2004], Kobe said, 'I don't want to play with a dominant center.'" Pau was no Shaq Bryant faced a series of challenges without O'Neal by his side. The Lakers encountered difficulties, not making the playoffs in 2005 and getting eliminated in the first round of two straight postseasons in 2006 and 2007. With Kobe as the team's sole superstar, some critics believed he was overly selfish, focusing too much on proving himself rather than fostering teamwork. Advertisement However, Bryant firmly believed the issue wasn't his reluctance to share the spotlight but his struggle to find the right player to complement his talents. The Lakers were looking for someone who could match Kobe's greatness and competitive demands. In 2008, they found their guy in Pau Gasol. From the moment Gasol arrived in L.A., he brought a skill set and personality that perfectly complemented Kobe's. More importantly, he didn't bring an ego. "Pau was not dominant in the sense that Shaq was," Vitti said. "But Pau was absolutely one of the most talented low-post players, especially of his time. Pau was willing to be Batman's Robin. Shaq wasn't. Pau had an ability to read the game, read Kobe and react to what Kobe was doing and not get frustrated. Pau played the game the right way." Advertisement "They complemented each other," he continued. "Pau knew when to back off and let Kobe do his thing. Kobe probably wanted Pau to bang more and be more physical. But once he realized that wasn't the way he played the game, then Kobe adjusted. They adjusted to each other and figured it out." Related: "I just got tired of hearing it and just thought it was best for me to move on" - Patrick Ewing admits he regrets leaving the Knicks out of spite The co-star Kobe needed Gasol understood that this was Bryant's team, and his role was to serve as the most dependable player right after the main guy. With his exceptional skills and basketball IQ, Pau became the crucial component that Bryant and the Lakers had searched for since O'Neal's departure. Their synergy on the court was instant and evident. Advertisement Gasol's presence allowed Bryant to flourish in a way he didn't get to do during his time with O'Neal. Ultimately, this resulted in three-straight NBA Finals trips, with the Lakers winning two straight NBA championships in 2009 and 2010. "They made each other better. Pau was able to take some of the pressure off of Kobe with defenses and game planning," former Lakers forward Luke Walton said. "Kobe clearly trusted Pau and was more willing to play within the system more often. He trusted us all, but he trusted himself more than anyone (laughs). As we continued to get better and Pau got in there, Kobe was more willing to let the offense do what it does. Pau would take over at certain times. That impact made Kobe better and made our team better." "On the other side of the coin, Kobe would push Pau and challenge him to be better than he'd ever been," he continued. "Pau embraced that challenge. It wasn't always easy. Phil did the same thing. Ultimately it clearly worked. We would've never had that success without Pau. But I don't think Pau would've had that success without that partnership with Kobe and Phil." Bryant and Gasol spearheaded the Lakers back to prominence. During that stretch, they etched their legacy as one of the best duos in the organization's history. Advertisement In retrospect, Kobe was right. What he needed wasn't a superstar big like Shaq but a team player like Pau. Related: "Guys would just point fingers and the wheels came off so quickly" - Rick Fox says '04 Lakers were completely blindsided with how easily the Pistons shut them down
Telegraph
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Telegraph
Watch: Sam Underhill escapes red card for head-on-head collision
'How has he not been sent off?' asked a supporter in the crowd behind the press box as Sam Underhill made his way across the touchline at Principality Stadium half an hour into the Challenge Cup final between Bath and Lyon. As a mark of what had just occurred, the fan in question was wearing the black, blue and white of Underhill's team. The flanker was recently back from a suspension for a similar head clash during Bath's victory over Pau in the first knockout round of this tournament last month; a fact the same supporter highlighted. That incident had brought a three-week ban, reduced to two on the basis of Underhill undertaking World Rugby's coaching intervention programme, commonly known as 'tackle school'. Underhill enrolling had been rather amusing in itself. He is among the most consistently imposing and technically excellent tacklers in the game. The 28-year-old has, however, got his timing wrong a few times this season. He was yellow-carded 18 minutes into his return appearance against Newcastle Falcons and could count himself lucky here. Having begun the match superbly, snaffling a jackal turnover and charging down Davit Niniashvili as well as tearing around in attack, Underhill was corner-flagging and stayed reasonably upright. "You are very, very lucky..." 🗣️ Big moment in the first half as Sam Underhill was issued a yellow card for a head-on-head collision, rather than a straight red 🟨 #ChallengeCupRugby — Premier Sports (@PremSportsTV) May 23, 2025 What saved him, according to the explanation of referee Hollie Davidson, was Niniashvili stepping back inside. Ronan O'Gara, the La Rochelle head coach who is never shy on voicing opinions, was seemingly unconvinced, posting 'Players (sic) safety' on X, accompanied by a couple of exploding head emojis and a monkey covering its eyes. Davidson, who brandished red to Underhill in that Pau game, spared him on this occasion. Should the citing commissioner intervene over the coming days, the England man risks missing the Premiership play-offs, because the tackle school reduction will not be available to him and a sanction of at least three weeks would be forthcoming were he to be found guilty. What do you think of the decision? Vote in our poll.
