Utah Jazz at Milwaukee Bucks: Keys to the Game

Feb 1, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) is fouled by Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) is fouled by Milwaukee Bucks guard Matthew Dellavedova (8) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
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Feb 1, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks the ball during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 1, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) dunks the ball during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Jazz won 104-88. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

Key Performer – Rudy Gobert

With the Bucks suffering from a severe lack of depth and talent in their frontcourt, particularly on defense, Rudy Gobert was able to thrive in the last contest against these two teams as he put up 26 points and grabbed 14 rebounds.

And while Gobert seemed to slow down a little bit in Utah’s final games before the All-Star break, hopefully the time off will prove to be exactly what the big man needed to come out rejuvenated and ready to put up impressive displays on both ends of the floor. The lackluster resistance he’ll face in Milwaukee certainly seems like an excellent opportunity to do just that.

The biggest challenge Rudy will likely have to face is Thon Maker’s aforementioned ability to stretch the floor, but so long as he can take care of business there, I truly see little else that the Bucks will be able to do to slow down the Stifle Tower offensively or defensively.