Utah Jazz star Rudy Gobert talked ahead of the European Primetime game this weekend against the Mavs on Sky Sports Arena.
Q: As a team, you committed only 11 fouls against the Pacers. How do you strike a balance between playing tough defense and not fouling?
RG: “That was really what we wanted to do, don’t give them free throws and don’t give them anything at the rim and don’t give them any rebounds. We did a great job doing those three. We had a few turnovers, but they didn’t hurt us because we were able to run back.”
Q: Beating the Pacers 118-88 gives you a victory over one the of the top Eastern Conference teams. Does it feel extra special to beat a top team like that?
RG: “It doesn’t feel different. Every team is an NBA team. Some teams don’t have a great record but they still beat some good teams. We never want to be that team that gets beat. It doesn’t matter who we play. We try to come out every night with a high level of urgency and focus.”
Q: How does Mike Conley’s return elevate the Jazz?
RG: “He’s a great teammate and a great player. You know we’re going to need him if you want to win a championship. He is a big part of what we do.”
Q: You are seeing an uptick in your offensive production over the past few games. What has keyed that improvement?
RG: “I just keep working every day. I just try to improve. It’s also I feel like my teammates are really looking for me. I just have to make the right play every time.”
NBA Saturdays and Sundays presented by NBA2K20 on Sky Sports – part of a record 48 Primetime games live on Sky Sports starting from 7.00pm every weekend. This week on 25 January the Utah Jazz host the Dallas Mavericks on Sky Sports Arena from 10pm. The Denver Nuggets host the Houston Rockets on 26 January from 8.30pm on Sky Sports Arena.
