5 reasons why the Jazz can survive without Rudy Gobert

Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz forward Joe Johnson (6) drives to the basket between LA Clippers forward Blake Griffin (32) and guard Jamal Crawford (11) to score the winning basket with no time remaining in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Staples Center. The final score was 97-95. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

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Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz head coach Quin Snyder with center Boris Diaw (33) and guard Shelvin Mack (8) during the first half in game one of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs against the LA Clippers at Staples Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Utah’s bench depth

An underrated part of the season for the Utah Jazz has been the stellar play of their bench unit. In Game 1, the Jazz were able to get 47 points from their bench, led by 21 from Joe Johnson. But with Gobert out, backup center Favors immediately stepped in and contributed 15 points on 7-of-10 shooting, with 6 rebounds.

On the other hand, the Clippers only got 20 points from their bench unit, which only saw three players play significant minutes. The Jazz were a +27 in this area and if it continues, the Clippers could be in huge trouble.

For the season, the Jazz averaged nearly 52.8 bench points, while the Clippers averaged 48.3 bench points per game. The Clippers were without backup point guard Austin Rivers in Game 1; he’s out for Game 2 and it’s unlikely he plays in Game 3.

With the significant advantage in bench play, the Jazz should continue their winning ways.

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