Before his re-emergence during yesterday night's Lakers' 102-95 victory over the Golden State Warriors, Paul Gasol had been a nonentity for most of this season. The Spaniard had disappeared for much of the season's early going, struggling with his shooting and averaging a thoroughly uninspiring 11.6 points in the eight games preceding his effort against the Warriors.
But we saw a different Gasol against the Warriors, most definitely buoyed by the promise he made to the Filipinos (HERE) as he helped the Lakers and the citizens of the Philippines, with 24 points and 10 rebounds triggering a $24,000 donation to a UNICEF fund established to assist victims of Typhoon Haiyan. Gasol had pledged to give $1,000 for each point he scored against the Warriors.
"I definitely had that motivation of scoring points tonight," said Gasol, who made 11 of 19 shots. "Once I started knocking down those outside shots, it opened things up for me because then I could attack off the dribble."
Former Lakers Coach Phil Jackson also will be sending $1,700 after tweeting he would contribute $50 per point, $50 per rebound and $1,000 per charge taken by Gasol. Unfortunately for Gasol, he couldn't collect in the final category.
"Charges are not my thing," said Gasol, who sidestepped an opportunity in the first half. "Phil knows that."
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