5 reasons why the Jazz can survive without Rudy Gobert

Although Jazz’ center Rudy Gobert went down in Game 1, Utah was still were able to pull away with a win. Here are reasons why the Jazz can continue that in Game 2 of this series.

Less than 17 seconds into Game 1 between the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers, Jazz’ center Rudy Gobert collided knees with Luc Mbah a Moute. An MRI after the game revealed that Gobert had a hyperextension in his left knee and a bone bruise and he would not be playing in Game 2.

But in Game 1, the Jazz were sensational without their star center, winning on an “Iso” Joe Johnson floater as time expired. Although many assumed that as soon as Gobert went down, that Utah’s playoff hopes sunk as well, here are five reasons why they can keep winning in this series.

5. Better wing play

Although Utah may have lost their defensive anchor in Gobert, they have significantly better wing players than the Los Angeles Clippers. The Jazz start Joe Ingles and Gordon Hayward, while bringing Joe Johnson and Rodney Hood off the bench. In Game 1, the Clippers’ J.J. Redick was held to 7 points on 3-of-6 shooting, thanks to Ingles’ hounding defense. Luc Mbah a Moute was not any better, with seven points on 2-of-6 shooting.

On the other hand, Jazz’ Joe Johnson had 21 points on 9-of-14 shooting, to go along with the game-winner. Hayward added 19 points and 10 rebounds in Game 1. Without Gobert, it looked as if Ingles was a candidate for the Defensive Player of the Year, as he chased Redick through an endless maze of screens.

The Jazz have significantly better wing players and more depth at the position. In a league where guards and forwards are so important, the Jazz have the better ones on the floor against LA.