Rudy Gobert Records Pair Of Impressive Blocks During First Half Against Rockets

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Jazz center Rudy Gobert swatted a couple of shots in impressive fashion during Utah’s game against the Houston Rockets.

Gobert and the Jazz hosted the Rockets at Vivint Smart Home Arena on Saturday, February 22.

The Stifle Tower’s first swat of the half came on a driving layup attempt by Houston all-star James Harden with 4:23 left in the second quarter.

A few plays later, Gobert rejected a two-foot layup endeavor by Rockets all-star guard Russell Westbrook.

Gobert’s second swat helped Utah maintain a 59-59 tie with 1:21 left in the first half.

The Jazz closed the quarter on a 7-3 run to take a 66-62 advantage to the locker room at halftime.

Very strong second quarter from the @UtahJazz featured everything that has made the team special for stretches this season.

• Jordan Clarkson taking over
• Rudy Gobert defensive brilliance
• Donovan Mitchell attacking

Jazz lead 66-62 at the half. #TakeNote #HOUatUTA

— KSL Sports (@kslsports) February 23, 2020

Utah shot 56.5 percent from the field and 33.3 percent from three during the opening half of play.

Gobert finished the first half with 7 points on 2-2 field goals. He added 3 rebounds along with his pair of blocks in 16 minutes on the court.

The Jazz defense, led by Gobert, held Houston to 46.8 percent shooting including 43.5 percent from beyond the arc during the first 24 minutes of game time.

basketball: it's good#TakeNote pic.twitter.com/aF8T4r802M

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 23, 2020