Growing up in Spain, Marc Gasol watched a lot of soccer games and even played the sport during his younger years. During the first half of his team's playoff game against the San Antonio Spurs on Monday night, the Memphis Grizzlies center struggled from the field, shooing only 1-of-8. That prompted him to channel his inner soccer star skills and attempt a different kind of shot.
After his teammate, Vince Carter, was called for a foul on Kawhi Leonard, the 32-year-old Spanish international headed the ball to the rim, which hit nothing but the net.
Marc Gasol is 1-8 from the floor with his hands…1-1 with his head. pic.twitter.com/d66e85FK79
— Gabe Goodwin (@GabeTheWP) April 18, 2017
The shot did not count, but the fans inside the AT&T center were left in awe with the header. And it wasn't the first time the former Defensive Player of the Year knocked down a header shot:
ICYMI: @MarcGasol estas jugando fútbol o baloncesto? #BigSpain https://t.co/GPWH6amtpI
— Memphis Grizzlies (@memgrizz) November 30, 2015
While that play from Gasol was spectacular, the overall play of his team was not. The Grizzlies lost Game 2 of the opening round playoff series by a score of 96-82 and now trail the Spurs 2-0 in the series.