Utah Jazz: 1 stud and 2 duds from first home loss vs Pacers
Utah Jazz dud: Team composure
The Utah Jazz are NBA championship contenders. It’s about time they carry themselves as such.
To review: Rudy Gobert (probably inadvertently) tripped Myles Turner following a contested layup attempt late in the fourth quarter. Turner seemed to have assumed the trip was intentional, and proceeded to shove Gobert. Gobert then pulled Turner to the floor by his shorts. That’s when you-know-what hit the fan.
Both Donovan Mitchell and Joe Ingles made physical contact with referees. There’s a high probability both will face suspensions. There’s a possibility Gobert will as well. Last night degenerated into a full-blown melee, and it was completely unacceptable.
None of which is to say that the Indiana Pacers are without fault. Myles Turner distinctly shoved Gobert after what was, by all accounts, a basketball occurrence. It was unwarranted. The problem is that Gobert’s response was disproportionate.
These guys are human beings. We recognize that. Still, Rudy Gobert needed to maintain his composure and not respond. At 102-92 with about 4 minutes remaining, this game was still (remotely) winnable. From the moment that Gobert made a decision that resulted in 3 key Utah Jazz players receiving ejections, it was pretty clearly over.
Next. Another trade to improve the Jazz's title odds. dark
In an 82 game season, some losses will inevitably be more difficult than others. Hopefully, the Utah Jazz can learn two lessons from this one: don’t play down to your competition, and don’t indulge opposing teams in childish behavior.