ESP - Marc Gasol’s return boosts Griz

MEMPHIS (NBA/FIBA Basketball World Cup) - The Memphis Grizzlies aren't the same team without Marc Gasol.

Just consider the evidence, only 10 wins in 23 games for the club while its starting center was recovering from a left knee injury, a record that dropped the club out of the Western Conference playoff places.

Hopes of getting to the post-season are well and truly revived following Gasol's surprise return from the MCL sprain on Tuesday night in a 90-87 victory over Kevin Durant and the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Gasol, who tweeted a photo of himself on crutches as recently as 11 January, played 24 productive minutes.

He not only scored 12 points and pulled down four rebounds but also provided the court presence and an understanding of spacing and awareness on defense that has been sorely missed in the low post while he was out.

"It felt really good, especially since we got the win," said Gasol, who played in just one full practice while rehabbing his knee before playing on Tuesday.

"That makes everything worth it.

"I got the goosebumps for about a minute," he said. "It felt like I was a rookie again."

His teammates looked like they had an extra bounce in their step, too, with Gasol on the floor for the first time since 22 November.

"Everybody is excited, especially for him," said guard Mike Conley, who had 19 points and seven assists.

"He's been itching to get out there forever, and I thought he did great. It gave us a good boost."

Conley is in the USA Basketball set-up and may line up opposite Gasol later this year when they compete at the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Spain.

While there was never any fear about Gasol missing the tournament without the injury, the national team coach Juan Antonio Orenga has certainly been keeping an eye on events in Memphis because the big man is crucial to what Spain does on both ends of the floor.

Gasol was an all-tournament selection at last year's EuroBasket in Slovenia after leading Spain to a spot on the podium.

His focus right now will be on helping Memphis get back into the top eight of the Western Conference, which would earn the club another trip to the play-offs.

The win over the Thunder improved the Griz to 18-19, leaving them three games behind the eighth-place Phoenix Suns.

The draw for the FIBA Basketball World Cup will be held on 3 February in Barcelona, which is Gasol's hometown.

FIBA