Gobert's Defensive Dominance Goes Beyond the Stat Sheet
Rudy Gobert (27) blocks a shot against the San Antonio Spurs
Rudy Gobert has been exceptional defensively this season and continues to be the clear frontrunner for Defensive Player of the Year. During Monday's game against the San Antonio Spurs, Gobert gave us another glimpse to the impact that he has, whether it shows up on the stat sheet or not.
After the Spurs forced a loose ball around mid-court, San Antonio's DeMar DeRozan picked up the rock, and raced towards the open basket. Thankfully for the Jazz, so was the Stifle Tower.
The moment that DeRozan sees Gobert slide into his defensive position, he makes the wise decision to dish off a pass to his closest trailing teammate.
Devin Vassell received the pass from DeRozan and once again, immediately thought to shoot the ball. Once Gobert game into vision though, Vassell thought better of that decision and passed the ball out towards the top of the key.
Does that kind of defensive presence light up the stat sheet? Not one bit.
It's plays like this though, that continually encourage Jazz fans to drool over Gobert's defensive prowess. This same type of play is also the reason that opposing players re-evaluate their decisions at the mere thought of going up against him.
Throughout this season, there have been many attempts to make the Jazz big man look incapable of blocking a shot. Unfortunately for opposing players, it usually doesn't turn out too well for them.
DeRozan found this out the hard way yesterday as well.
Gobert is extremely impactful defensively whether or not numbers show up on his stat sheet.
Just another reason why Gobert is the best defender in the league.
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