Gobert Sees Limited Minutes Against Iran
Jul 30, 2021, 8:59 PM | Updated: 9:10 pm
Rudy Gobert goes up for a dunk for France against Iran at the Olympics. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – With France having already locked up a spot in the quarterfinals of the Olympic Basketball Tournament in Tokyo, Rudy Gobert got valuable rest in the team’s win over Iran.
The Utah Jazz star played just under 18 minutes for the French National team, recording six points, four rebounds, an assist, and two steals as they blew out Iran 79-62.
Gobert played all of his minutes in the first and third quarters of the matchup, resting the second and fourth quarters.
On termine le travail. Il reste un quart-temps à la Saitama Super Arena et les Bleus ont 15 points d'avance 💪#TeamFranceBasket #IRNFRA #Tokyo2020 #Basketball pic.twitter.com/8L3QqsEivi
— Equipes de France de Basket (@FRABasketball) July 31, 2021
France led 22-17 after the first quarter but held Iran to just 10 points in the second quarter to build a commanding 46-27 lead at the break.
Iranian legend Hamed Haddadi led all scorers with 18 points, 12 rebounds, five assists, three blocks, and two steals in nearly 38 minutes of action. The game will likely be the last time the former Memphis Grizzlies center will represent Iran at the Olympic games.
With the win, France improved to a perfect 3-0, including their surprise win over Team USA in their Olympic opener to sweep their Group A competition.
Iran chips into @FRABasketball's lead 62-47 heading into the fourth quarter.
Iran would be eliminated from the quarterfinals with a loss.
Rudy Gobert has 6 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals for France. #TakeNote
— KSL Sports (@kslsports) July 31, 2021
After beating the Americans, France easily cruised past the Czech Republic and Iran to punch their ticket to the quarterfinals.
Gobert and France move onto the quarterfinals where they will be joined by Jazz teammate Joe Ingles and Australia. Luka Doncic and Slovenia, while former Jazzman Ricky Rubio and Spain have already advanced to the quarterfinals as well.
The quarterfinals is made up of the top two teams from each of the three group play tournaments, plus the two best third-place finishers. So far, the Gobert-led French roster is the only team to advance to the quarterfinals with a perfect record.
The Men’s Olympic Basketball quarterfinals will begin on Monday.
