Spanish champion with Barça, Pau Gasol (half) succeeded in his bet | NBA

Disappeared from the NBA radars since a last inconclusive freelance for Portland in 2019, Pau Gasol had signed in his training club of Barcelona last March. Pitted against arch-nemesis Real Madrid in the La Liga ACB final, Barça won two consecutive matches to become Spanish champions again, a first since 2014.

At almost 41 years old, and after long months of rehabilitation and physical work, if only to be worthy of playing again, Gasol therefore lifted his second champion’s trophy in his country … twenty years after the first, in 2001, before the young Pau took off for the United States and the NBA Draft (then Memphis and the immense career we know).

“Everything I fought for and worked for day after day for the past two years now takes on special meaning after yesterday’s victory. Lifting this trophy again at home, with my relatives and my club… It’s indescribable. I am proud to be part of this great team. We are the Champions !!! “

16 evaluation in the playoffs at almost 41 years old!

With 12 points at 65% success on shots, plus 6 rebounds for 16 evaluation in 16 minutes, Gasol did not show up, and he did take part in this new title which puts Barça back on top. in Spain.

The only downside to this comeback at home: the defeat in the Euroleague final against Rodrigue Beaubois and Adrien Moerman’s Efes Istanbul. It was the main objective of the Catalan legend. The only line that is still missing from its huge track record.

Called to lift the trophy first, by Nikola Mirotic (MVP of the Finals) and Pierre Oriola, Gasol did so. The Spanish giant has not yet closed the door on the possibility of doing it again… with his brother Marc next season?