Gobert Blocks Fellow Jazzman Donovan Mitchell, Eliminates US From Medal Contention

SALT LAKE CITY, Utah – Rudy Gobert came from behind with a block as teammate Donovan Mitchell was driving to the hoop during Team USA’s loss to France.

France beat Team USA 89-79, dashing the USA team’s medal hopes in the FIBA World Cup.

Gobert put up 21 points and 16 rebounds for his home team in France’s come from behind win. They overcame a seven-point deficit in the fourth quarter.

Rudy Gobert was the best player in that game.

He had 21 and 16 boards

France was +26 in his 34 minutes on the court

Oh, and he did this to his Jazz teammate in a huge moment

Congrats France 🇫🇷 pic.twitter.com/7EKR58ca3B

— Kirk Goldsberry (@kirkgoldsberry) September 11, 2019

Mitchell put up 29 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the USA.

Donovan Mitchell is having one of the great games in Team USA history. He has 29 points thru 3 quarters. US in fight with France, up 66-63. Game on ESPN2.

— Brian Windhorst (@WindhorstESPN) September 11, 2019

The loss put an end to Team USA’s 58 game tournament winning streak. The best they can do now is 5th place, although they did clinch a spot in the Olympics.

Before the game, Mitchell expressed excitement about playing against his teammate.

“I’ve never played against Rudy. He’s the anchor that defense and the anchor of our defense. There’s going to be a lot of trash talk for sure,” Donovan said.

Buckle up for this one 😏#TakeNote | #WorldGotGame pic.twitter.com/cPwg5mbwd1

— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) September 10, 2019

With that block, Gobert probably has the upper hand on trash talk heading into the NBA season.

Gobert and Mitchell will play their first preseason game as teammates with the Utah Jazz on October 9 against the Milwaukee Bucks.