Gobert’s presence should help stabilize fifth-place Utah’s inconsistent play since the turn to the new year.
The pillar of Utah’s defense will be back in the paint for Monday’s matchup against the Rockets.
The Jazz announced Rudy Gobert had been cleared and made available an hour before tipoff after he missed nine consecutive games with a left calf strain. Between that and a previous five-game absence, Utah went 6-8 without Gobert manning the middle, though they entered Monday night on a five-game win streak.
*AVAILABLE – Rudy Gobert (Left Calf Strain) https://t.co/RDIariQzBq
— Utah Jazz (@utahjazz) February 15, 2022
Gobert is averaging career highs in points (16.0), free throw percentage (69.0%), rebounds (15.1) and field goal percentage (70.7%). The three-time Kia Defensive Player fo the Year leads the league in the latter two categories.
The Jazz is hoping Gobert’s return combined with a midseason trade for Nickeil Alexander-Walker will jolt the them back up the standings. Utah is just 9-13 since Jan. 1 and entered Monday night three games behind third-place Memphis in the loss column.