Jazz’s Big Christmas Win Underscores Gobert’s Impact

The Jazz had a holly, jolly Christmas night. (Alex Lowry via utahjazz.com)

With his seventh blocked shot of the night against the Portland Trail Blazers, Rudy Gobert ensured a Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight. Behind a strong performance from their defensive stalwart, the Utah Jazz got the win in their first Christmas Day game in 21 seasons. A strong victory could potentially be a precursor to more Christmas basketball and would truly make this the most wonderful time of the year. 

The Jazz have now won three of their last four, including two convincing wins against the Blazers. This team has looked really impressive lately, even in the losses. Utah’s only losses since an off night in Mexico City were a close loss to the streaking Rockets behind 47 points from reigning MVP James Harden and a 1-point loss to the Thunder on a back-to-back and the third game in four nights. 

A week ago, I suggested that one key to “fixing their defense” would be to play less of Royce O’Neale, at least until he shows a positive impact in spot minutes. Since that post a week ago, Royce has averaged only eight minutes per game, which is half of his season average. Frankly, I think it’s showed. In his stead, we’ve seen more Kyle Korver whose minutes played average is up over 20. It’s not clear that this is entirely responsible for the change in the Jazz, but it sure seems like the Jazz have looked like a better team in the past four games.

Beyond the change on the wing rotation, the real driving force behind Utah’s surge is the impact of the reigning DPOY. The Jazz defensive rating, now fifth best in the league, has shown a marked improvement particularly in the past two weeks and ever since the ugly back to back losses in San Antonio and OKC. The Jazz had a defensive rating of 116.0 in both those games. Since then, they have posted D-Ratings of 87.9, 98.7, 98.1, 99.1, 93.1, 102.8 and 96.4. They’re on a tear defensively, bringing their season defensive rating is 106.1. 

Those single-game defensive ratings are all impressive numbers that are below their average, but also better than every team’s average. Don’t forget that these games were also, mostly, against some good offensive teams: Houston, Golden State and two against Portland.. 

Over those games, you can also see the impact Rudy’s been having with his individual defensive rating: 116, 73, 93, 92, 92, 89, 106. The 116 is an outlier, especially when his Net Rating for that game was only +2. But the Net Ratings in the other games get really interesting: +43, +51, +15, +60, +21, +12, +12.

 The Jazz already play intelligently on defense. On the season, they force opponents into the second fewest shots per game at less than five feet. And the fewest per game from the 3-point line. The FG% on those attempts varied, and the Jazz were still top 10, but in the past seven games you can see what difference an awakened Gobert makes. The Jazz opponent shooting at the rim is the lowest FG% in the league in those games. And you can see it with the eye test. Opponents second-guess taking any shots within the vicinity of Rudy. 

If Gobert can keep up this level of play (he can), the Jazz are in for an exciting finish to their season. Thursday’s TNT-televised game against Joel Embiid will be a true test.