By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The third win in a row earned the Utah Jazz a 3-1 lead versus the Memphis Grizzlies. They look good to advance to the Western Conference Semifinals, but the exact same situation last season against the Denver Nuggets did not end well.
“Just like in life, basketball is the same,” mentioned Rudy Gobert immediately after Monday’s Game 4, “You just have to learn and get stronger.”
Gobert, 28, had 17 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, and one assist for the 3-1 lead. He’s averaging 16.0 points, 12.5 rebounds, 3.3 blocks, and 1.0 assists in the best-of-seven series. However, his contribution against a very strong opponent, can’t be effectively described by those stats.
“We understand they are not going to give up,” he said on the Grizzlies, “We have to be ready for a big and physical game, keep doing what we do. The key is to keep on getting better in every game. And stay focused.”
The previous postseason held in the Orlando bubble saw the Jazz win Games 2, 3, and 4, but then drop Games 5, 6, and 7. Elimination in the first round ended their 2019 run as well. In 2017 and 2018 they were stopped in the second round.
“Anybody can beat anybody,” pointed out Gobert regarding what his side has learned from past missteps in the playoffs, “It’s just about ourselves. We have to keep getting better and take it one game at a time.”
Game 5 will return the first-round series to Salt Lake City on Wednesday evening.
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