Watching Rudy Gobert play this weekend for the Utah Jazz, it’s hard to believe he’s fresh off a 15-game absence. In two games since his return from injury, the Stifle Tower has dropped 19.5 points, 10.5 boards and three blocks per contest, while shooting 68 percent from the field. He’s looked every bit the All-Star fans expected him to be this season.
And yet, even with their elite rim protector back in the fold, the Jazz defense was gashed in each of those games. On Friday, Utah gave up 117 points and 11 3-point shots to the New York Knicks.