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Sacramento Kings: Game 62 Preview vs Utah Jazz

By Tyler Watts

Dec 21, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ty Lawson (10) drives to the hoop against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) in the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Utah Jazz 94-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 21, 2016; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Sacramento Kings guard Ty Lawson (10) drives to the hoop against Utah Jazz forward Gordon Hayward (20) in the fourth quarter at Vivint Smart Home Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Utah Jazz 94-93. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Swinger-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 8, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) holds the ball away from Sacramento Kings forward Carl Landry (24) during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2015; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) holds the ball away from Sacramento Kings forward Carl Landry (24) during the first quarter at EnergySolutions Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

Utah Jazz Scouting Report

The Utah Jazz enter this contest with a record of 38 wins and 24 losses which currently places them 4th in the Western Conference standings.  They would have homecourt in a first round playoff series if the regular season ended today.

The Jazz have been a great defensive team this season.  They top the NBA in points allowed per game at 96.0.  Utah is 3rd in defensive rating and 2nd in field goal percentage allowed.  By almost any defensive metric, the Utah Jazz rate in the NBA’s top five teams.

Last time out, the Utah Jazz hosted the Brooklyn Nets.  The Jazz rode a 38 point first quarter and cruised to victory over the Nets 112-97 on Friday.  Below is a highlight video from that game to give you a glimpse at the Jazz’s most recent form.

Gobert the Defensive Anchor

Rudy Gobert is having a breakout season for the Utah Jazz not only statistically but in terms of commanding the paint and stifling opposing offenses.  Gobert is averaging career-highs in points, rebounds, and blocks per game not to mention shooting career-high percentages from both the field and free-throw line.

The defensive end is where Gobert is really making his name.  Gobert is leading the NBA in blocks and has produced 4.7 defensive wins shares the far and away NBA leader according to Basketball Reference.  Rudy Gobert is not the match-up you want to draw any night and I expect him to give the Kings fits during tonight’s game.

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