This is an archived article that was published on sltrib.com in 2016, and information in the article may be outdated. It is provided only for personal research purposes and may not be reprinted.
If anyone needed a reminder of Rudy Gobert's importance to the Utah Jazz, the two games he's started since returning from a sprained MCL should set them straight.
The team went 7-11 in his absence, surrendering almost 101 points per game while allowing opponents to shoot 46 percent from the field. With Gobert back in the starting lineup, the Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers combined to average 79 points per game.
It isn't just about the shot-blocking. It's about how many shots Gobert alters and how opponents are aware of his presence when going to the rim.
"When you come back from injury, you enjoy it and you cherish it," Gobert said. "I missed being out on the court, but now that I'm back, I just want to play as hard as I can."
The scary thing is, Gobert hasn't even had a great night in the box score. He scored nine points and grabbed five rebounds in the win over the Heat. He scored 10 points before he fouled out on Sunday night against the Lakers.
He's still been blocking lots of shots, though. He's had seven combined in the past two games. But the main reason the defensive efficiency has jumped is Gobert's ability to play a complete defensive game. He not only protects the rim, but he's proficient at guarding smaller players on the perimeter. He hasn't gotten many rebounds, but he's been active, and teammates have fed off his presence.
"He's got a real competitive spirit," Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. "He's maybe our best communicator. He always thinks he's right, and he's right a lot. He's willing to talk, and he's been impactful. He's not in shape yet, but he doesn't care. He just wants to get out and compete."
The best defense …
Utah's guards know they are going to be in for a long night when they face the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday. After all, Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum are perhaps the most explosive scoring backcourt in the NBA.
So defending the two may take being creative. One way to do that, the Jazz know, is by having their guards be aggressive offensively, making Lillard and McCollum accountable on both ends of the floor.
"You have to compete, and you have to take on the challenge," Utah point guard Trey Burke said. "Our game plan is to make them work, and that's mainly by competing."
Earning his keep
With 28 rebounds over his past three games, Jazz rookie Trey Lyles has found a niche that will earn him playing time. He's averaging 7.2 boards over his last five games and over six rebounds in January.
Injury report
Jazz forward Derrick Favors will travel to Portland. He didn't practice on Tuesday and is expected to be listed as questionable. He has missed the last 10 games with back spasms.
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