Lakers' Pau Gasol makes a stand on defense

Gasol never has been known for his defense, for being a stopper, for being something other than a skilled offensive player.

But there Gasol was Tuesday night, grinding it out against Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki, putting the clamps on the Mavericks' All-Star forward during the Lakers' 106-99 victory over the Mavericks.

"Definitely, defense was a big challenge tonight for me, to be able to step out and make it tough for him and I think I was pretty successful," Gasol said. "It's a big key when you stop Dirk on their team."

It was Gasol's job to contain his counterpart at power forward, and he did.

Nowitzki finished with 14 points, but he missed 12 of his 17 shots. Gasol had a lot to do with that.

Nowitzki was one for nine in the second half, his last basket coming with 10:14 left in the third quarter. He missed all five of his shots in the fourth quarter. Gasol played a major role in that happening.

"Pau is really a great player, both at center and power forward," Lakers Coach Phil Jackson said. "He was a good matchup for us tonight. Dirk's a great shooter and we were able to contain him at least somewhat, and Pau had a big hand in doing that."

At 7 feet, Gasol has the length to bother his man.

In the case of defending Nowitzki, who also is 7-0, Gasol said he just wanted to make it as difficult as possible.

"[I] use my length, seeing that it bothers a lot of players," Gasol said. "I tried to stay in front of him and make him take tough shots and contest his shots and don't leave him alone."

Lamar Odom used to have the assignment of defending Nowitzki, and Odom was on him at times.

But Odom was more than happy to turn Nowitzki over to Gasol.

"He's just quick enough and probably is the only dude Dirk has to play against that is quick as him and is taller than him," Odom said. "Pau's also longer."

And Gasol still was a force on offense for the Lakers, contributing 22 points and 11 rebounds.

His biggest play came late in the game, when the Lakers were clinging to a two-point lead. The Lakers failed to execute the play and Derek Fisher wound up shooting an air ball as the 24-clock was winding down.

Gasol gathered the rebound, put it back in and was fouled by Nowitzki, his sixth.

Gasol made the free throw for a three-point play that gave the Lakers a five-point cushion.

"I just followed the shot and I was able to put it back in," Gasol said.

Gasol was eight for 15 from the field and tied teammate Kobe Bryant for the most minutes played with 36.

"Pau's the real deal," Odom said. "You can't double him. He can't be checked one-on-one. And he's a better defender than people think."

Turner is a Times staff writer

broderick.turner@latimes.com