Mavs must deal with second Gasol brother in five days

DALLAS – This past Monday, the Dallas Mavericks had to contend with Marc Gasol and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Tonight, they’ll have to contend with his brother, Pau Gasol, and the Chicago Bulls.

What’s more, Pau Gasol comes into tonight’s 7 o’clock game at American Airlines Center against the Mavs fresh off Thursday’s announcement that the fans voted both he and Marc as starters in the Feb. 15 All-Star game.

"It’s a phenomenal achievement for their family,’’ Mavs coach Rick Carlisle said. "They both have had brilliant careers.

"Marc’s a little younger, but he’s getting better and better. Pau has had great longevity and really has shown no signs of slowing down, so I’m sure their family is very proud.’’

Guard Devin Harris has had his share of trying to run around hard screens set by both Gasol brothers. And he knows which one sets the most difficult screens.

"They have different type of styles of games,’’ Harris said. "I think Marc is more of a bruiser.

"Pau is a little bit more finesse, but they still are very talented.’’

Mac Gasol had 20 points and eight rebounds during the Mavs’ 103-95 victory over the Grizzlies this past Monday. Pau Gasol played a game-high 50 minutes and finished with 29 points and 14 rebounds when the Mavs edged the Bulls 132-129 in double overtime in Chicago in Dec. 2.

Thus, the Mavs have a difficult time trying to distinguish which Gasol is the more efficient player.

"They’re both great players, they’re both highly skilled,’’ Carlisle said. "Their games are slightly different, but they’re both guys that can really put the ball in the basket.

"They have impact at the defensive end with length, shot-blocking ability. Both of these guys are starters on the All-Star team, so you’re talking about two of the best players in the game.’’

This story was originally published January 23, 2015 at 11:55 AM with the headline "Mavs must deal with second Gasol brother in five days."