Amid the negative impression surrounding his name, Utah Jazz star center Rudy Gobert is entirely convinced that he won’t be stopped.
And his 17 points, 21 boards, and 2 rejections against Joel Embiid and the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday is the proof of that.
Following a big-time performance wherein he led the Jazz to their 18th win this season, Gobert hit back on his critics in a post-game interview.
“I’m motivated every night,” Gobert said. “People like to take shots at me for no reason. It’s funny because I never take shots at anyone … When you’re the best in the world at something, people become insecure.”
“I’ll just keep going, keep helping my team and keep getting wins.”
On Wednesday, Gobert was on the hot seat of discussion from Minnesota Timberwolves guards Anthony Edwards and Patrick Beverley, as his defense was criticized harshly.
No one knows who Gobert might be hitting this time, but it might be safe to assume that he is directing those words on the two T-Wolves cagers.
Reigning Defensive Player of the Year Gobert was out of the November’s DPOY top 3 ladders this season, which was being occupied by Golden State Warriors’ Draymond Green, Indiana Pacers’ Myles Turner, and Toronto Raptors’ Gary Trent Jr. Nevertheless, he is an imposing, threatening tower below the rim, averaging 98.0 defensive rating, second behind Green who has 97.0.
