NBA

Rudy Gobert Records Career High Nine Blocks To Score Almost a Triple-Double

by
Debdutta Sinha
March 23, 2021

The Utah Jazz are getting back to winning ways. The 120-95 victory against the Chicago Bulls was a perfect example of that. It was a trademark Jazz performance, with every player on the team rotating the ball with remarkable ease. Additionally, Rudy Gobert performed exceptionally well in this game, almost recording a triple-double in the process.

The French International finished with 21 points to his name. racking up 10 rebounds and 9 blocks during the game. If Gobert had one more block, he would have been the first Jazz player to record a triple-double since 2008.

Although Gobert could not achieve the rare feat, the win was an important one for the side as they try to come out of their mid-season slump.

Rudy Gobert and team complete the job for Utah Jazz

Speaking about his missed triple-double, Gobert said, “When I subbed out with about seven minutes left, Derrick (Favors) was coming in and told me that I had nine blocks. He was very happy to tell me that. That’s just the way we are as a team. Everyone is happy for one another. Everyone is lifting each other up. It’s just fun to be part of a group that cares for one another.”

Apart from the 28-year-old, Donovan Mitchell also put in a good shift for his team. The two-time all-star finished with 30 points and six assists sinking five of his shots from downtown in this game.

Career-high in blocks and near triple-double for @rudygobert27!

21 PTS | 10 REB | 9 BLK | UTA W pic.twitter.com/1B8JokgUmm

— NBA (@NBA) March 23, 2021

Jazz coach Quinn Snyder was really pleased with the performance of Rudy Gobert. Speaking about the 7’1″ center, he said, “He’s playing the right way. When he does the things that, really, only he can do as far as running and be willing to come over and get off his man’s body and contest shots, he’s gonna block shots.”

The Utah Jazz are at the top of the Western Conference. They are ahead of the likes of defending champions LA Lakers and high-flying Phoenix Suns. In that context, critics and analysts have touted them as perfect championship contenders.