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Remember last season when Rudy Gobert posted his infamous “We will be fine” tweet? It became a piece of Utah Jazz history, as he proved to be prophetic on all accounts when the Jazz bounced back last year and made a run into the playoffs.
This season has had a similar start as last season, with several disappointing losses and a losing record overall. But, at least to this point in time, there has not been another “We will be fine” tweet. Maybe the Jazz need one. But, maybe not. Maybe the comforting, reassuring message is actually being sent by the way Rudy Gobert has been destroying opponents on the basketball court this season.
After another monster performance last night in Salt Lake City, Rudy Gobert muscled the Jazz to a huge home win against the defending champion of the world, Golden State Warriors. Gobert finished with 17 points, 15 rebounds, and 4 blocks on a night where he was absolutely the difference maker in the game.
| Rudy Gobert's monster night.
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 20, 2018
17p | 14r | 4b | 1a pic.twitter.com/CZmEDXjy46
This wasn’t the first time this season that Rudy Gobert took over a game. Even though you may not even realize his impact on games, Gobert has not only been the Jazz’s best player this season, he’s one of the best players in the NBA. Here are some statistical categories that Gobert is ranked in the top ten among qualified NBA players this season.
1st- FG %
1st- eFG %
1st- True Shooting %
2nd- Offensive Rating
3rd- Win Shares
3rd- Defensive Box Plus/Minus
6th- Blocks per game
7th- Rebounds per game
This has been a career season for Gobert so far, and he’s doing his best to keep the Jazz afloat. If it weren’t for him, the Jazz would be lost in oblivion. He’s carrying the Jazz on his shoulders and willing them to wins, one game at a time, with the hope of getting back ahead in the win column and into playoff position. If we’ve learned anything from Rudy, you don’t ever, ever count him out.
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If while watching the game last night you were thinking “Man, it seems like Rudy always has so many blocks against the Warriors”; you were definitely not wrong.
With 4 in tonight’s win, Rudy Gobert now has 17 blocked shots against the Warriors in the last three seasons - the most by any player in that span.
— StatMuse (@statmuse) December 20, 2018
https://t.co/fmqGCMKah5 pic.twitter.com/TCqkzT2Y2L
Rudy comes to play when he goes at The Dynasty Warriors.
Donovan Mitchell was trying to get Rudy to expound on his blocks last night, but Rudy kept his cool.
Donovan Mitchell clowning Rudy and also egging him on to strut about his blocks on Draymond: pic.twitter.com/lmKRVz5qPV
— Ben Dowsett (@Ben_Dowsett) December 20, 2018
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There is nothing quite like seeing Joe Ingles play animated basketball. When Joe gets going, there’s no stopping him. That includes both his lefty three-ball and his trash talk. Fortunately enough for us, we got both last night.
Joe Ingles screaming "HELL YEAH" after wetting a three in Draymond's face >>>>>>>>> pic.twitter.com/xbCOMObJob
— #1 Sadio Mané fan account (@CowhideGlobe) December 20, 2018
Joe Ingles on tonight's trash talk with Draymond Green: “Just kind of a part of the game really, I talk to everyone. It just kind of is what it is, it just kind of gets me going and probably gets him going to be honest about it."
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) December 20, 2018
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Last night during the game, Qualtrics honored those that have fought and are currently fighting the battle with cancer.
Tonight, we were honored to host our 5 fighters.
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 20, 2018
Grateful to partner with @Qualtrics in the battle against cancer #5ForTheFight | https://t.co/ImBODqZl8U pic.twitter.com/hpUNjLgReI
After the game, and one of the most important wins of the season, Ricky Rubio had a simple tweet that really puts things into perspective.
Bigger than Basketball !!! https://t.co/gAM0TVWSl8
— Ricky Rubio (@rickyrubio9) December 20, 2018
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I’m still pretty pumped about the win from last night, so here are some pics courtesy of the Utah Jazz.
| #GSWatUTA pic.twitter.com/RXQHTkpV2E
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) December 20, 2018