The Utah Jazz took on the New Orleans Pelicans in a match that marked the return of the NBA.  When Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID- 19 early in March, the league took a vital decision of suspending all activities indefinitely. Co-incidentally, Gobert also scored the first points in the league’s return to competitive action after four-month-long hiatus. Moreover, the 28-year-old began what he started by making the game-winning shots for the Jazz. 

Gobert opened the scoring for the Jazz and drew a foul as well, with his successful attempt. The two-time Defensive Player of the Year registered 14 points and 12 rebounds in the Jazz’s late comeback victory against the Pelicans. 

It seems like a bizarre coincidence, doesn’t it? Over the hiatus period, Gobert faced harsh criticism for his actions and was reported to have lost his bond with teammate Donovan Mitchell.

But, as the league returned inside the Orlando bubble, Mitchell and Gobert combined well to carry the Jazz to a close finish on the opening night. Twitter went berserk about Gobert scoring the first points in the NBA’s restart as well as scoring the winning points for the Jazz. Indeed a cheerful return for the Frenchman after a troublesome offseason. 

Moreover, Gobert also commented on the coincidental events that benefited him and his team. “Life works in mysterious ways. I’m just happy. Blessed to be able to get back on the court, do what I love to do, get back out there with my teammates and try to win a game,” Gobert said, as per Eric Walden of ‘The Salt Lake Tribune.’ 

Utah Jazz coach loving the energy between Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell

Utah Jazz coach Quin Snyder must be a happy man after his team pulled off a late victory. The Pelicans enjoyed early control of the game. But, they threw it as much as for most parts of the third quarter and the entire fourth quarter. 

The most crucial point in the game came when there was just 6.9 seconds remaining on the clock. Donovan Mitchell drove through the Pelicans defense and passed the ball to Gobert who was waiting just under the rim to complete the comeback. 

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But Gobert couldn’t make the finish, as he was fouled near the post. With the score tied at 104, Gobert got the chance to give Jazz a two-point lead from the free-throw line. Gobert perfected his shots which eventually won the game for the Jazz. The important connection between Gobert and Mitchell towards the end proved to be a game-changing factor for Utah.

Coach Quinn Snyder would be a delighted man after the victory and reflected on his team’s talented duo stepping up at a defining moment. Was the game-changing from Mitchell and Gobert poetic? Well, Eric Walden asked coach Snyder about it. 

“I don’t think either one of those guys are writing poetry, but they certainly had some synergy on the court,” Snyder said. “I’d love ’em to write poetry! But just to see them connected like that was really good.”

SOURCE: Eric Walden – Twitter,  Insider.com