The Los Angeles Lakers took on the Memphis Grizzlies in the first game of their doubleheader at the FedExForum. While the game painted a bright picture of a confident Laker team, it also marked the return of Marc Gasol to Memphis. However, the center received little love from his opponents. 

Marc Gasol joined the Lakers from the Toronto Raptors, but the big man enjoyed a decade-long career with the Memphis Grizzlies from 2008 to 19 before joining the Raptors and winning a ring. 

In fact, Gasol is one of the Grizzlies’ best players in history and his stats would validate the statement as well. But the current Memphis side wasn’t so kind when Gasol flew to the city to face his beloved former team.

Marc Gasol took a nasty cut in his left eye

Things started off in spectacular fashion for the Memphis Grizzlies as they overturned an early deficit into a massive lead heading into the first quarter’s break. However, the Lakers were able to match on even terms with their bench scoring and climb up the scoreboard. 

Marc Gasol had a very quiet game and didn’t find much success from the field as well. The Spanish international is renowned for his strong physique and his ability to wear off opponents who are guarding him.

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However, he was tripped off balance by Grizzlies’ Dillon Brooks during a point in the second quarter which left Gasol with a nasty cut. The 35-year-old fell to the floor and was awarded a foul in his favor, but woke up with a bloody eye to everyone’s concern. 

Despite this gruesome injury, Gasol still made his free throws effortlessly. He received treatment for the cut on the sidelines but was later taken out of the game owing to the severity of the injury.

Gasol was taken off early before the second half and it was revealed that he required four stitches to take care of the cut in his left eye. The 2013 DPOY was once again back on the court for the third quarter. 

Gasol left impressed with Grizzlies’ video tribute to him

As mentioned above, Marc Gasol is undoubtedly one of the Grizzlies’ greatest ever players. His all-time stats with the franchise are mind-boggling as Gasol has played the most minutes in franchise history. Moreover, he has made the most field goals (4341) as well. 

Hence, it was only fitting that the Grizzlies offered a proper tribute for Gasol in his return to Memphis for the first time in nearly two years.

It was his first as a Laker and Memphis’ video tribute left the big man heartily applauding the efforts. 

“All great feelings. All happy emotions. You go back a little bit in time and remember the memories you had on the court, and especially off the court,” expressed Gasol on how it feels to be back at the FedExForum.