Into the Bears’ Den: Marc Gasol is the Grizzlies’ MVP of the month

Jan 28, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts after hitting a three-pointer in the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Utah Jazz 102-95. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 28, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Memphis Grizzlies center Marc Gasol (33) reacts after hitting a three-pointer in the third quarter against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Memphis Grizzlies defeated the Utah Jazz 102-95. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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In this week’s edition of “Into the Bears’ Den,” we review the Grizzlies’ performance in January. Our writers unanimously think Marc Gasol was the MVP.

Unless you’re a Cavaliers, Rockets or Thunder fan, each month, there will be a different MVP. Throw the Grizzlies in this category too.

Since Mike Conley broke his back, Marc Gasol has taken control of this team, and it doesn’t look like he’s stopping now.

So far this season, he’s averaging 20.7 points (his previous career-best was 17.4 in 2014-2015) and shooting 40.9 percent (on 3.7 attempts per game) from downtown.

In January, the All-Star scored 23.6 points in 14 games. He put on a five-game clinic where he scored 28, 28, 32, 42 and 32 points.

So, yeah. Marc Gasol is a beast.

Parker Fleming, Jackson Munyon, Jakob Eliason, Jerrod Smith and Jake Finnen give their reasons why Gasol was January’s MVP for the Grizzlies.

Follow all these guys on Twitter (except for Jake, because he’s lame and doesn’t have one) for some of the hottest Grizzly takes on the web.

Parker Fleming (@PAKA_FLOCKA)

Gasol became a three-time All-Star and had one of his best scoring months of his career. Over the course of January, he averaged a red-hot 24 points a game, including a career-best 42 against Toronto. If it weren’t for Big Spain, the Grizzlies would’ve had a brutal month.

Jackson Munyon (@jackson_munyon04)

There aren’t many things better than Big Spain going beast mode, and he did that several times in January. This stretch of outstanding play helped Gasol lock down his third All-Star appearance. The All-Star game will be a prime opportunity for Marc to show the world why he’s one of the league’s top big men.

Jakob Eliason (@jakobeliason)

Marc Gasolstar. ‘Nuff said.

Jerrod Smith (@jerrod_smith7)

Is this even a question? Marc Gasol has been an absolute monster. I love that Fizz is pushing him to become the main guy on this team. In the words of David Fizdale, “Gasol is being selfish by being unselfish.” Hopefully Gasol continues to see he needs take up to 20 shots night in and night out.

Jake Finnen

Gasol-ina

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