Hard defense creates easy Utah Jazz offense
If Rudy Gobert is protecting the paint down low, then there should be caution signs to advise the opposing team before entering. When he is on the top of his game, it creates easy offense for the Utah Jazz.
When players deliberately go right at Gobert, he more often than not ends up blocking the ball. And if he is down low to protect the paint, that takes away one of the highest quality shots in basketball. These misses can lead to rebounds and more opportunities on the offensive end.
Without Gobert, it would be hard for the Jazz to maintain their defensive identity. With him, they will always have a shot to turn his blocked shots and overall defensive prowess into transition scores at the other end.
Game 5 prediction: Jazz by six
The Jazz should cover the spread and win by six points in this game. Gobert has to be the difference.
Donovan Mitchell and other players will get their dues on offense. However, there will be less pressure on them if Rudy Gobert channels his inner Mark Eaton, plays with tenacity, and creates extra opportunities for the team by way of his shot-blocking specialty.