Bulls-Cavs: Five Takeaways From Thrilling Opening Night Victory
Oct 27, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bulls forward Pau Gasol (16) blocks the shot of Cleveland Cavaliers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half at the United Center. Chicago won 97-95. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
3. Pau Gasol did WHAT?
The Bulls led 97-95 with 10 seconds left. Derrick Rose missed a mid-range jumper, Tristan Thompson pulled down the rebound, and the Cavaliers called timeout with 10 seconds left.
There wasn’t any doubt that LeBron James would touch the ball on the final possession for Cleveland. Once James started to drive, it also felt like there wasn’t any doubt that James would tie the game either.
Then, this happened:
The often-criticized-on-defense Pau Gasol makes the biggest play of the game … on defense? The NBA is weird and that’s why we love it.
Gasol’s block was the sixth(!) of the game for the 35-year-old Spaniard. Tuesday was a rough night at the office for Gasol, as he scored just two points on 1-of-7 shooting. Gasol was all over the place offensively and couldn’t really put himself in position on the blocks with Timofey Mozgov matched up on him. But, when the Bulls needed a play the most, the two-time NBA Champion made the play.
Rose on Pau block: "He’s a winner. He knows exactly what it takes to win, even if he’s not scoring the way he wants to."
— K.C. Johnson (@KCJHoop) October 28, 2015
Next: 4. No Bobby Portis?