Fansided

5 biggest disappointments of 2016-2017 playoffs so far

By Duane Rohrbacher

Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Photo Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) is helped off the court by teammate guard George Hill (3) and center Boris Diaw (33) after going down to an injury in the opening seconds 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
Apr 15, 2017; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert (27) is helped off the court by teammate guard George Hill (3) and center Boris Diaw (33) after going down to an injury in the opening seconds 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. Rudy Gobert’s knee

The Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Clippers series had all the components to be a seven-game thriller. It might still be. But, Rudy Gobert’s knee injury has changed the narrative. Gobert has not even played one full minute, and the team has already announced that he is out for Game 3. The French Rejection could have made the this a real series. We could have known once and for all if these Clippers are good enough to win a playoff series. Now, we might never find out.

After losing Game 1, the Clippers bounced back in Game 2, winning by eight. Now, they head to Utah for Game 3. Chris Paul can always take over, and Blake Griffin has looked electric again. Gordon Hayward cannot do everything himself for the Jazz, and Derrick Favors and Boris Diaw do not give anywhere near the rim protection that Gobert does. Griffin had an incredible spin move and slam after a block, a slam that might not happen if Gobert is in the game. It is plays like that which swing the momentum of games. Just like a huge block can. Here’s hoping Gobert can come back for Game 4 to give us the series we deserve.

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