Almost perfect comeback for Rudy Gobert in Utah. The Frenchman dominated in the racket (22 points, 13 rebounds), his team won (118-108) and the fans gave him an extremely warm welcome, saluting his name during the presentation of the two teams, before the whole room does not celebrate it during the traditional tribute video.
” It feels good “ he said after the match. “We are starting a five-game road trip and we really wanted to start it the right way. And of course, as I was coming home, where I spent nine years of my career, we really wanted to win this game. It was a bit different, being on the visitors’ bench, and in the visitors’ dressing room, but I’m very proud of the guys tonight. It’s not easy to win here.”
Especially in a necessarily special match for Rudy Gobert.
“It was incredible. It was complicated for me to experience all these emotions because I was really focused on the game. But to hear the love, the fans… The video on the screen… There was emotion. »
“I was taught to play until the last second. There was no intention of disrespecting anyone.”
The French also explained that playing at altitude (Salt Lake City is 1,300 meters from sea level) is different when you live there and when you come there as a visitor. He also made sure to respect the few whistles from the stands when he appeared on the free throw line.
And then there was this layup in the last seconds, when the match was folded. Jazz fans did not like, like Malik Beasley, who came to criticize this “useless” ghost basket…
“I was taught to play until the last second. There was no intention to disrespect anyone. These guys who came in front of me, they’re not going to do anything anyway. I just couldn’t shake hands with my guys, so that kinda ruined my moment. But that’s how it is, some guys want attention.
For Chris Finch, Rudy Gobert’s basket stems from the pressing of the Salt Lake City team.
“Don’t press. If you are looking to intercept the ball in the last seconds, we will put the basket. he concluded, questioned on the subject. “There is nothing to conclude from this. »
