Jazz Center Rudy Gobert Shows Defensive Prowess Early Against Knicks

SALT LAKE CITY – Jazz center Rudy Gobert showed off his All-Star level defense with a big block during the opening minutes of Utah’s game against the New York Knicks.

The Knicks hosted the Jazz at Madison Square Garden on Sunday, March 20.

With 8:34 left in the first quarter, Knicks center Mitchell Robinson attempted to drive against Gobert for a layup. The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year rejected Robinson’s attempt and helped Utah maintain an early 9-7 lead.

N🚫BERT pic.twitter.com/Qa3nxXkmdU

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) March 20, 2022

This season, Gobert is averaging 15.5 points, 14.8 rebounds, 1.1 assists, 2.2 blocks, and 0.7 steals per contest.

Jazz vs. Knicks

Though Donovan Mitchell missed Friday’s game against the Clippers, the guard is expected back tonight against the New York Knicks.

Despite a lengthy injury report for the Jazz, Mitchell was one of the few rotation players not on the list.

Mike Conley, Bojan Bogdanovic, Trent Forrest, and Danuel House Jr. are all out as the Jazz being their six-game road trip in New York.

Did you catch Donovan Mitchell playing rock, paper, scissors with young fans during the @utahjazz blowout win on Friday?

🪨📜✂️#takenote https://t.co/83kA1NtWc5

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) March 20, 2022

Hassan Whiteside is listed as questionable.

After beginning the road trip against the Knicks, the Jazz will face the Brooklyn Nets, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Hornets, Dallas Mavericks, and Los Angeles Clippers before returning to Utah for one home game against the Los Angeles Lakers, before traveling to Golden State to face the Warriors.

Utah’s game against New York is broadcast on AT&T SportsNet, NBA League Pass, and The Zone Sports Network.

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