Utah Jazz at Dallas Mavericks: Keys to the Game

Jan 20, 2017; Dallas, TX, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) battles for the ball with Dallas Mavericks center Salah Mejri (50) and guard Deron Williams (8) during the second quarter at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Key Performer: Rudy Gobert

The last time the Jazz took on the Mavericks, there’s no doubting that Rudy Gobert was the key performer as he put up an incredible 27 points and 25 rebounds, many of which came at absolutely essential times. He was the difference maker in a tightly contested overtime victory.

While it is a tall order to expect Rudy to match his 25-25 effort once again, I still expect him to be Utah’s key guy against the Mavs. Dirk Nowitzki is an NBA legend, but as he reaches the twilight of his career, there just isn’t much he can do to stop the Stifle Tower defensively.

#TakeNote of Rudy Gobert.

The @utahjazz big man goes for career highs in points (27) & rebounds (25) in OT win!#SAPStatLineOfTheNight pic.twitter.com/aD3ipkS9mx
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) January 21, 2017

Beyond Nowitzki, the Mavs’ frontline is either undersized, inexperienced or, in the case of Andrew Bogut, injured. Therefore, with little resistance defensively, Gobert should be able to have his way around the rim and on the boards just like before.

Nowitzki’s ability to stretch the floor as a 37.9 percent three-point shooter this season could potentially cause Gobert some headaches on the defensive end, but given the streakiness that has come with his age and the fact that he has struggled against the Jazz in both contests he’s played in this season, it shouldn’t pose more of a threat than Rudy is able to handle.