Rudy Gobert Dunks On Mavericks Star, Recovers For Huge Block In Final Minutes
Jan 25, 2020, 5:58 PM | Updated: Jan 27, 2020, 1:12 am
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jazz center Rudy Gobert played like a superstar in the final minutes of Utah’s game against the Dallas Mavericks with highlight plays including a massive dunk over NBA All-Star Luka Dončić and a block on former Utah Utes guard Delon Wright.
Gobert led the Jazz to a 112-107 win over the Mavs in an afternoon matinee at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Saturday, January 25.
The two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year played like all-star down the stretch and led the Jazz with a highlight reel worthy dunk and block during the clutch minutes of the game.
Dunkin’ On Dončić
With the Jazz down 95-93 and just over five minutes remaining in the game, Gobert drove the basket and threw down a thunderous dunk over Dončić while the Maverick fouled him. Gobert went to the free throw stripe to give Utah a 96-95 lead with 5:07 left to play.
flex on 'em pic.twitter.com/n6XRd2EAdy
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) January 26, 2020
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The French Rejection
A few minutes later, the Jazz were holding onto a 109-107 advantage in the final minute of regulation. Former Utah and current Mavericks guard Delon Wright drove past Gobert on his way to the hoop.
Gobert recovered and extended his left arm towards the backboard as Wright released a layup attempt. The two-time defensive player of the year made contact with the ball fractions of a second before it touched the backboard and stopped the game-tying shot.
The reigning DPOY is LOCKED in 🔒 pic.twitter.com/YJE7vYHAnE
— NBA TV (@NBATV) January 26, 2020
Utah forward Bojan Bogdanovic rebounded the miss and was fouled by Dallas guard Seth Curry.
After a few made free throws including one by Gobert, the Jazz escaped with a five-point victory.
Gobert finished the game with an impressive stat line. He scored 22 points without a missed field goal. He shot 8-8 from the field and 6-9 from the free-throw line. Gobert recorded a double-double with 17 rebounds including 4 offensive boards. He added 2 assists and 5 blocks in 37 minutes of play.
Utah improved to 32-13 on the season and 18-3 at home.
