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Utah Jazz vs. Charlotte Hornets: Keys to the Game

By Jared Woodcox

Jan 27, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) defends against Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 102-73. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 27, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2) defends against Charlotte Hornets guard Nicolas Batum (5) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 102-73. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 9, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) drives to the basket and dunks the ball during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) drives to the basket and dunks the ball during the first half of the game against the Charlotte Hornets at the Spectrum Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Performer – Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert was absolutely phenomenal in Wednesday’s win over the Bucks as he finished the game with 26 points on 9-of-13 shooting and 15 rebounds. Since his All-Star snub, Gobert has been playing exceptionally well with a lot of energy and an apparent determination to prove his doubters wrong.

And given the Hornets’ lack of formidable depth at the center position, Rudy should be able to have his way once again much like he did against Thon Maker and the Bucks.

Charlotte’s Cody Zeller is a respectable player, but is no match for Rudy’s strength, athleticism and length. The Hornets did just complete a trade sending Roy Hibbert and Spencer Hawes to Milwaukee in exchange for Mason Plumlee, but Gobert should enjoy a significant advantage over him as well.

Therefore, given Rudy Gobert’s recent dominance and Charlotte’s lack of talent at the center position as well as an undersized starting power forward in Marvin Williams, there’s every reason to believe that the Stifle Tower will be able to overpower his opponents and turn in a big game against a struggling Eastern Conference foe.

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