Gobert Leads Jazz To Emotional Win Over Hawks
Feb 1, 2019, 9:41 PM
Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) drives against Atlanta Hawks forward John Collins (20) at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Friday, Feb.1, 2019. (Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
(Laura Seitz, Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – After an roller coaster day, the Utah Jazz picked up a blowout win in a 128-112 victory over the Atlanta Hawks.
The Jazz played a complete team game, perhaps rallying around center Rudy Gobert who had been snubbed from the All-Star Game and criticized on social media for being emotional in a press availability earlier in the day. Seven Jazzmen finished in double figures in the victory.
Gobert Shines After Tough Day
Gobert got into foul trouble early with two quick foul calls in the first period. Once he got back on the floor, the big man, who had had a heck of day dealing with the emotions of not making the All-Star team, was dominant.
R
U
D
Y pic.twitter.com/tMMtrxZNgY— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 2, 2019
The center finished with 25 points on a highly efficient 7-for-7 shooting from the field with 13 rebounds to complete his 42nd double-double of the year.
Ingles Starts Hot
Joe Ingles was electric coming out of the gates, scoring 10 points quickly in the first quarter to help Utah build a quick eight point lead. The Hawks would take the lead a couple minutes later but the Jazz would finish the quarter on an 11-2 run to take a 36-34 lead after the first quarter.
The Hawks responded in a big way, opening the second quarter on a 17-8 run to take an 11-point lead on a made jumper by Kevin Huerter at the 4:40 mark of the period.
E U R O
Rudy has 17p | 12r | 2b pic.twitter.com/pwWSkAqHCG
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 2, 2019
The Jazz battled back and retook the lead in the third quarter at 66-65 with 8:53 in the third quarter. Once they got the lead back, they extended the advantage to as much as 12 in the quarter thanks to a 3-pointer by Kyle Korver to cap off a 17-4 run. The Hawks tried to cut into the lead on several occasions, but the Jazz maintained a nine point edge going into the final period.
Utah kept the foot on the gas in the fourth, getting almost the entire bench into the game in the 16-point emotional victory.
By The Numbers
Ricky Rubio also had a double-double with 22 points and 11 assists after being featured in trade discussions for Memphis’ Mike Conley earlier in the day.
Donovan Mitchell finished with 15 points.
The win moves the Jazz to 30-23 overall.
Respect, @mrvincecarter15 ❤️#ThisIsWhyWePlay pic.twitter.com/bmnnHsNlCj
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 2, 2019
Next Up
The Jazz will take the hardwood again on Saturday to host the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m. The game will be broadcast on AT&T SportsNet.
