Skip to content

Gobert sounds off after latest Jazz loss: 'Some of us don't compete'

Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports / Action Images

The Jazz are on the precipice of securing the franchise's first postseason berth in five years, but Utah's defensive anchor doesn't sound pleased with his team's recent effort.

"We've got guys that compete, but some of us don't compete. Some of us just think about scoring. That's what it is," Rudy Gobert told ESPN's Tim MacMahon after Saturday's loss to the Los Angeles Clippers.

"Coach keeps repeating it: We've just got to compete. We're too nice. Those guys, we know they're going to get calls. We've just got to come out aggressive and ready to fight," the Defensive Player of the Year candidate added.

The Jazz own the league's third-ranked defense, and, at 44-29, remain fourth place in the Western Conference. But with Saturday's loss in L.A. marking their fourth defeat in five games, their lead over the fifth-place Clippers has shrunk to a measly half-game. In addition, the Clippers clinched the season-series tiebreaker (3-1) with Saturday's result.

"I think everybody needs to think about making plays for the team, making winning plays, before thinking about how many points we're going to score and stuff like that," Gobert told MacMahon. "Everybody has to be ready to sacrifice. In the playoffs, it's not going to be pretty. There's going to be some games where you don't score, but are you going to take a charge for a teammate? Are you going to come and box out DeAndre (Jordan) for a teammate?"

The Jazz will clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2012 with either their next victory or the next loss by one of Denver or Portland.

Daily Newsletter

Get the latest trending sports news daily in your inbox