Utah Jazz at Detroit Pistons: Keys to the Game

Jan 13, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) starts a fast break with Detroit Pistons center Andre Drummond (0) trailing during the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Utah Jazz won the game 110-77. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

Key Performer – Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert didn’t exactly have a breathtaking performance in Utah’s last meeting with the Pistons, finishing with just six points on 3-of-4 shooting, but he did do a phenomenal job on defense, limiting Detroit’s third leading scorer Andre Drummond to just nine points.

And the Stifle Tower has been on an absolute tear for the Jazz of late as he’s logged a double-double in four straight contests, including a 23-point outpouring against the Rockets last Wednesday. In Monday’s win over Los Angeles, Gobert was absolutely everywhere on defense, denying and flustering the Clippers all throughout the game.

RETWEET

If you think @rudygobert27 is the Defensive Player of the Year! ✋️#DPOY #TakeNote pic.twitter.com/2LSYac64ph
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 14, 2017

Therefore, as he looks to go up against a Pistons team that is less talented and less explosive than the last two teams Rudy has faced, he ought to be licking his chops and primed to come out strong on both ends of the floor.