Paul Gasol Versus Kevin Garnett 2010 NBA Finals

As a Laker fan I have been sick of the Celtics players and Celtics fans calling Pau Gasol soft.  In 1998 he averaged 15 points and 10 rebounds a game, but the Celtics won the series.  So rather than just shout at my Celtics friends I thought we should compare the “Big Ticket”, Kevin Garnett to Pau Gasol in this 7 game series of 2010. 

Let’s break down the statistics between Garnett and Gasol for the series. 

• Gasol edges KG by averaged 18.5 points a game to Garnett’s 15.2. 
• Gasol wins over KG for blocked shots 18 to 9.
• Gasol Wins over KG for Assists 26 to 21
• Gasol Wins over KG the Rebounds 81 to 39
• Gasol Wins over KG Offensive Rebounds 35-8

KG is clearly on his way to the Hall of Fame, but for the “Big Ticket” to get less than half as many rebounds as Gasol underlines the dominance that Pau demonstrated over Garnett in the 2010 NBA Finals.  Let’s consider that this future Hall of Fame power forward for the Celtics came up with 3 rebounds in a Game 7 NBA Finals versus the Lakers when their starting center was out.  If ever there was a night that KG needed to come up with 15 boards it was last night’s game 7.  Kobe Bryant came up with 15 rebounds—But I forgot we were comparing Garnett to Gasol.  Oh yeah, Pau Gasol had 19 rebounds last night. 

Pau Gasol is NOT SOFT!  Gasol clearly dismissed the “Soft” tag and now it’s KG’s turn to wear the soft sign for the summer.  Gatorade is going to have to get pretty creative on their TV ads in the future.  I can’t wait to see how Gatorade spins  the soft play of “Big Ticket.”  KG pounding his chest with 3 rebounds…