In a big way, Rudy Gobert’s reaction on Monday morning is why he’s become such a good basketball player.
After shootaround, he was told the Utah Jazz have the best defense in the NBA in the 19 games he’s played since coming back from a leg injury. The compliment barely had an effect on him.
“I think we have a good defense,” Gobert said. “But we have a long way to go. We have a lot of ways that we can improve.”
Sheepish reply not withstanding, the Jazz have been a dominant team since Gobert has been back in the fold. Utah’s 15-4 in the 19 games since he returned to the lineup. In those 19 games, Gobert is averaging 14.7 points, 10.8 rebounds and 2.4 blocked shots per game.
Of course, wrapped in that record has been an 11-game winning streak. And, of course, Gobert has been dominant defensively.
But, he’s been dominant offensively as well. His ability to screen has freed Jazz shooters for open looks at the basket, and the ball handlers to create for themselves and others. Gobert also has been a huge factor in rolling to the rim and either catching and finishing at the basket or drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line.
He’s been the player the Jazz hoped for when Gordon Hayward left for the Boston Celtics. The front office viewed him as the franchise centerpiece, and he’s delivered in the past 19 games.
“To hear that Rudy is saying there are things we need to clean up is good,” Jazz coach Quin Snyder said. “Because I think that’s how we all feel as a group. There are definitely little things collectively that we need to do a better job of, and the numbers bear that out. But I’m more concerned with how our defense is in the next 20 games.”
First time back
Former Jazz point guard Shelvin Mack made his first return to Vivint Smart Home Arena as a member of the Orlando Magic on Monday night. Mack played 11 minutes off the bench in the first half, scoring seven points on 2-of-4 shooting from the field.
He has established himself this season as a valuable member of Orlando coach Frank Vogel’s rotation. Mack was also a big part of Utah’s rotation when he was with the Jazz. He left Utah this past summer in free agency.
“He’s been terrific,” Vogel said. “You need floor leaders to win basketball games and he’s definitely a coach on the floor. He makes heady plays out there, and he makes sure others make heady plays too.”
Late scratch
Jazz starting power forward Derrick Favors missed Monday’s game when he developed neck spasms during pregame warmups. In Favors’ place, Snyder elevated Jonas Jerebko to the starting lineup.