Gasol hangs tough, aces his physical exam

There have been questions about Lakers forward Pau Gasol’s toughness, about his heart.

He eventually had to face his tormentors from Boston, those very Celtics who made the naysayers doubt Gasol’s will after he wilted in the 2008 NBA Finals.

This time, in the 2010 NBA Finals, against those physical, trash-talking Celtics, Gasol stood tall and firm, refusing to back down, taking his game to new heights in helping the Lakers defeat Boston, 102-89, Thursday night at Staples Center.

“I thought he was the best player on the floor,” Boston Coach Doc Rivers said.

Gasol had the numbers to back up Rivers’ bold statement, but it was more than that.

Gasol had 23 points and led both teams in rebounds with 14, which went a long way in helping the Lakers take a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven series that resumes here with Game 2 Sunday.

He had eight offensive rebounds, which showed how aggressive he was. He was eight for 14 from the field, which demonstrated how efficient he was.

He blocked three shots, handed out three assists and had four fouls in 46 minutes 34 seconds.

“There was no statement to be made,” Gasol said. “My goal, our goal, is to win the championship, not just the first game and not just make a statement right now.”

In the 2008 NBA Finals, Gasol played center because Lakers center Andrew Bynum sat out the playoffs recovering from a knee injury.

The Celtics pounded Gasol with Kendrick Perkins and Kevin Garnett.

Gasol was particularly poor in an unforgettable 131-92 defeat in the championship-deciding Game 6, finishing with only 11 points, eight rebounds and five turnovers.

That has hung over Gasol for two years, despite the Lakers’ winning the NBA championship last season over the Orlando Magic.

“If you heard for two years what you couldn’t do, you’re probably going to come in and try and prove that [wrong],” Rivers said. “I thought Gasol proved a lot tonight.”

This time, with Bynum playing, Gasol went toe to toe against Garnett and Rasheed Wallace.

Gasol didn’t back down to either.

If Garnett or Wallace pushed him down low, Gasol pushed back.

If Garnett or Wallace barked at Gasol, he just went about his business of attacking either one that was trying to defend him.

“I was ready,” Gasol said. “I was just ready to play. I like the challenge and I’m ready to step up and play. That’s all I did.”

Gasol played all 24 minutes of the second half.

He never seemed to tire.

“I knew it was going to be physical, that’s a given,” Gasol said. “This being our third consecutive final, we understand the nature of the game. We understand what a rival is, how they play and you’ve got to compete.”

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