Key Performer – Rudy Gobert
Rudy Gobert very likely would be the key performer even if the Jazz were rolling out a full-strength team, but given that the Jazz could very well be without four of their starters, he’s even more likely to be Utah’s top dog.
And for the Jazz to have any chance at all, Gobert is going to have to take advantage of one of Golden State’s few weaknesses – lack of size and depth in the frontcourt – and have himself a monster game.
Rudy Gobert is the 12th player in @NBAHistory with 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds & 200 blocks in a single season. pic.twitter.com/P0vlfAepaG
— NBA.com/Stats (@nbastats) April 9, 2017
Gobert was phenomenal in Utah’s near upset of the Warriors earlier in the season as he finished with 20 points on a perfect 8-of-8 shooting performance from the field while chipping in 17 rebounds. 20-point, 15-rebound games have become much more of a norm for Gobert and if the Jazz truly are down that many key players, it will likely be what it will take for Utah to win.
The size and length of Gobert has appeared to bother the Warriors over the course of the past two seasons, so he very well could hold the key to earning a victory tomorrow. Nevertheless, he’ll face an uphill battle with less help around him than would be ideal.