'Pau is legitimately the GOAT for real' - Trevor Ariza raves about Gasol destroying prime Dwight Howard

Before Dwight Howard became a journeyman center, he enjoyed a remarkable eight-year stretch with the Orlando Magic, during which he was a consistent member of All-NBA Teams and the MVP race. "Superman's" dominance seemed unquestionable, especially when he led the Magic to the 2009 NBA Finals almost single-handedly.

Yet, there, Pau Gasol gave him an unexpected lesson. A moment that Trevor Ariza still fondly gushes over.

Gasol torched a prime Howard

During the 2008-09 season, Dwight's defensive presence made Orlando the best defensive team of that campaign and helped them attain the third-best record (59-23) in the Eastern Conference. Moreover, D12's individual brilliance was impressive, as he led the league in rebounds (13.8) and blocks (2.9) while also registering 20.6 points per game and deservingly winning his first Defensive Player of the Year honor.

Even in the playoffs, "Superman" was at the forefront of leading his team through every battle. In the first round against the Philadelphia 76ers, the 6'10" center averaged 24.0 points and 15.8 rebounds. Then, in a tenuous seven-game battle with the Boston Celtics in the next series, Howard posted 16.4 points, 17.1 rebounds, and 2.7 blocks per night. Eventually, in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Howard averaged 25.8 points and 13.0 rebounds to send LeBron James & Co. home.

Entering the championship round, many expected Dwight's dominance to continue unchallenged. Contrary to those beliefs, Gasol outscored him by 3.2 points per game in the series. While Howard averaged 15.2 rebounds and 4.0 blocks per night, the Spaniard's tenacity limited the eight-time All-Star to not even being the best scorer on his team. As a result, the Los Angeles Lakers cruised past the Magic in five games to lift the title.

Ariza remembers Gasol schooling Howard

During his appearance on the "Above The Rim" podcast, TA couldn't help but reminisce about that series and, more importantly, remind himself how Pau schooled Dwight.

"Pau f****d him up. Pau is legitimately the GOAT for real," Ariza said. "Pau was f*****g y'all up."

Perhaps the 2009 NBA Finals series perfectly encapsulated Gasol's legacy. While his resume may not be as decorated as some of the other centers during his era, Pau always knew when and how to be adequate to help his team win when it mattered the most.