Utah Jazz vs. Memphis Grizzlies: Keys to the Game

Key Match-up: Rudy Gobert and Marc Gasol

The match-up between these two centers has directly determined the outcome of each of the three games these two teams have played against one another this season. In Utah’s lone win, Rudy Gobert was phenomenal, scoring 21 points and grabbing 12 boards while holding Memphis’ Marc Gasol to a meager eight points on 4-of-22 shooting.

However, Gasol has had his way in the other two contests given that in the first victory he notched 22 points to Gobert’s six and in the most recent win put up 17 points to Gobert’s five.

Marc Gasol is one of the best scoring big men in the league, so while it would be nice to see Gobert outscore him 21-8 like he did in the second meeting this season, that doesn’t necessarily have to happen for Rudy to win this match-up and give his team an important edge.

More than anything, it’s vital that he frustrate Gasol defensively and limit him to an inefficient shooting night. Gobert’s scoring numbers haven’t been great in the last three games, but as long as he holds up defensively against Gasol, then the Jazz should be in great shape.

This match-up should also have a little extra intrigue this time around given that Marc Gasol was just selected to the All-Star game while Gobert was left out of the mix. As he looks to prove himself worthy of All-Star consideration for this and future seasons, I expect the Stifle Tower to come out with a chip on his shoulder and anxious to display some dominance over one of the game’s top big men.

If he’s able to put up a performance at all similar to what he did in Utah’s previous victory over the Grizzlies, then he will make his statement loud and clear.