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Atlanta • The news and horror of the terrorist attacks in Paris on Friday night have garnered the attention of the world in the past 48 hours.

It's hit even closer to home for several NBA players, including Rudy Gobert, who is a France native. Gobert learned of the attacks — which have left 129 dead — almost as they were happening. In the hours before the Utah Jazz faced the Orlando Magic, Gobert told The Tribune he made calls back home to make sure his friends and loved ones are safe.

But even though they are, Gobert feels for his native country. On Sunday night against the Atlanta Hawks, Gobert painted the colors of France — red, white and blue — onto the back of his sneakers. It's his way of letting his home know he is thinking about them, about Friday's tragedy and that he is with his people in spirit.

"The last few days have been very difficult," Gobert said. "You try not to think about it, but it's impossible not to. It's been pretty tough, but everybody in France is staying together and that's the most important thing."

Gobert played on Sunday for the first time in almost a week, since spraining his ankle in the fourth quarter against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Utah's center tried to play against the Magic on Friday, but physically and emotionally he wasn't able to go. He says he feels a lot better; his left ankle was heavily taped and he went through shootaround and pregame workouts without a limp or without much pain.

The NBA has several French players, including notable talents in Tony Parker, Boris Diaw, Nic Batum and Evan Fournier. Gobert said he's been in touch with his national teammates over the past few days and that he's trying to cope with the tragedies as best he can.

"Of course it's important that my family and friends are safe," Gobert said. "But it's sad because we have a lot of people who lost their lives and loved ones. We just have to stay together. That's all we can do."

Family reunion

Paul and Elijah Millsap have been on the same basketball floor as teammates and opponents countless times over the years. After all, they are brothers. But Sunday was the first time the two have been on the same floor as NBA players.

A power forward, Paul Millsap has been the NBA constant, having been in the league for a decade. Elijah broke through last year with the Jazz, but the shooting guard came to Utah after the Jazz had already played the Hawks twice.

So Sunday night was the first meeting for the two.

"It's a good thing to come out here and see my family and compete against my older brother," Elijah said. "So it's like a family reunion. I think we're both going to enjoy the experience, but we both want to get the win against each other."

Missing piece

Hawks point guard Jeff Teague missed Sunday night's game due to injury. Third-year point guard Dennis Schroder started in his place. Jazz shooting guard Rodney Hood was in the lineup against Atlanta, after missing the loss to Orlando with foot soreness.

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