SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH – APRIL 23: Rudy Gobert #27 of the Utah Jazz celebrates a basket during the second half of Game Four of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Dallas Mavericks at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 23, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
After the Utah Jazz managed to get a win against the Dallas Mavericks, Rudy Gobert made it clear he isn’t here for any hate towards his team.
Many NBA fans don’t really expect the Utah Jazz to have all that much of a shot at thriving in the NBA playoffs this season, but Rudy Gobert won’t have anything to do with that sort of nonsensical criticism.
Well, even if there is any sort of reasonable or fair criticism to be had here at this moment, Gobert doesn’t appear all that interested in listening to folks who might be even remotely willing to doubt what this particular Jazz team is capable of.
When he was asked about postseason expectations and what the Jazz could potentially be capable of accomplishing, Gobert had this to say:
NBA playoffs: Rudy Gobert isn’t here for any Utah Jazz hate after tying the series up vs. Dallas Mavericks
Yeah, this guy is absolutely not going to listen to any sort of unfair criticism being hurled towards the Jazz’ way.
And with the series tied at 2-2 before heading back to Dallas, who could really blame Gobert for feeling confident about his team’s chances in this series or even the rest of the playoffs? The Jazz have some talent on their roster and have clearly shown that they can compete against the Mavs, even if Luka Doncic is back in the lineup and competing at a high level.
It’ll be interesting to see how the rest of this series plays out. If the Jazz do come out on top and can make a splash down the stretch of the playoffs, then maybe we’ll get even more interesting quotes from Gobert.