4) Rudy Gobert Stifles the L.A. Frontcourt
Final Stat Line: 31 MIN, 13 PTS, 13 REB, 4 BLK, 2 FLS
After the Jazz captured their first win of the season, Rodney Hood said “The games you are expected to win, these are the hardest games.” For Utah, beating the Lakers definitely proved to be difficult, but they were ultimately able to do so and Rudy Gobert was a big part of it.
While Favors and Hayward have battled injuries, Gobert has been the mainstay in the Jazz lineup. And he’s been pretty good just about every time out; he’s even hitting his free throws!
He was particularly strong against the Lakers, registering a double-double and acting as a deterrent down in the paint all night long. For me, his ability to hold things down for 31 minutes without getting into foul trouble was also a great development.
Especially when you consider the fact he matched up against athletic young big men like Julius Randle and Larry Nance Jr., as well as a crafty pro like Timofey Mozgov.
Next: Hood Paints Portland Jazz Blue