Before tipoff, the news came that Rudy Gobert would once again sit out the game with a strained calf. Ever since Gobert’s rise to stardom, the Utah Jazz have struggled mightily to defend without Gobert on the court. However, in the most recent few games, Utah seems to have found something on defense.
Tonight, Utah hosted the Orlando Magic. The Jazz jumped to an early lead in the first quarter on the back of a flurry of steals and baskets at the rim. Utah’s defense was dominant, allowing only 12 first-quarter points. Donovan Mitchell led the team early, and it looked like Utah might open up a big lead.