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Utah Jazz at Chicago Bulls: Keys to the Game

By Jared Woodcox

Nov 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) defends against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Chicago won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Jerian Grant (2) defends against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) during the first half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Chicago won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends against Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Chicago won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 17, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) defends against Chicago Bulls forward Jimmy Butler (21) during the second half at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Chicago won 85-77. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports /

Key Performer – Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert seems to be working night in and night out to prove that he is indeed one of the premiere centers in the league. He certainly helped his case on Thursday night as he was a monster for the Jazz finishing with 20 points, 19 rebounds and two blocked shots and quite frankly was the best player on the court not named LeBron James.

As has seemed to be the case in many instances this season, in Utah’s last meeting against Chicago he was one of the few guys that came out with any semblance of energy or passion and was Utah’s leading scorer in that game with 16 points while tracking down 13 rebounds and logging three blocked shots.

And a big reason why Rudy enjoyed such success against Chicago previously and should again tonight is that he is capable of simply dominating Bulls center Robin Lopez. Beyond him, the Bulls recently traded away big man Taj Gibson who was at least strong and gritty enough in the post to potentially cause Gobert some issues.

Therefore, especially with Gibson now gone, Chicago’s current front line simply won’t be enough to stop the Stifle Tower and as such, I’m expecting him to have a memorable night on both ends of the floor.

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