In an odd quirk of analytics this season, the numbers say the Jazz have a higher offensive rating and a lower defensive rating when Rudy Gobert is off the floor. The numbers say opponents outscore Jazz lineups with the 7-foot-1 center, and lineups without him tend to outscore the competition.
These splits were mentioned to Quin Snyder shortly before the Jazz took the floor against the Minnesota Timberwolves. He politely dismissed them.
The game later that night illustrated why numbers can’t always be trusted without context. The Jazz simply were outmatched in a 109-98 loss that only became remotely competitive in the last quarter.