Utah Jazz Scouting Report
The Utah Jazz enters tonight’s game with a record of 45 wins and 29 losses and currently sits fourth in the Western Conference standings. The Jazz have already clinched their first playoff berth since 2012.
Last time out, Utah hosted the New Orleans Pelicans and promptly defeated them 108-100 on Monday night. Former King, DeMarcus Cousins, missed that game with an ankle injury and Rudy Gobert dominated and propelled the Jazz to victory. Below is a highlight video from that game to give you a glimpse at the Jazz most recent form.
Gobert Breakout
The 24-year-old Frenchman Rudy Gobert has had a breakout season for the Jazz this campaign. Gobert has been a beast this season averaging 13.8 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 2.6 blocks per game while shooting 65.9% from the field. Those numbers do not tell the whole story, though.
Gobert has transformed into an elite defender and perhaps the NBA’s best. He has a defensive box score plus/minus of 4.6 and leads the NBA in defensive win shares at 5.5, according to Basketball-Reference. You will have the opportunity to watch the big man work tonight and I always come away impressed by his defensive play. This is a man who can literally shut down any player and it has led the Jazz to a return to the playoffs.