NBA Notes: Jazz C Rudy Gobert to Miss Game 3 Vs. Clippers

SALT LAKE CITY -- Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert will not play in Game 3 against the Los Angeles Clippers after hyperextending his left knee and suffering a bone contusion in the series opener.

The 7-foot-1 Frenchman went down 17 seconds into Game 1 when he knocked knees with Luc Mbah a Moute on the first possession of the game, which the Jazz won 97-95. The series is tied 1-1.

Gobert is a Defensive Player of the Year candidate after he led the league in blocks and defensive win shares. He also ranked third in defensive rating.

Gobert became the first player in Jazz history to record 1,000 points, 1,000 rebounds and 200 blocks in a single season.

Derrick Favors slides over from power forward to center with Gobert out. The Jazz were outscored 60-38 in the paint in Game 2.

NBA: Ex-commissioner David Stern tells AP he's bullish on league
NEW YORK -- David Stern hasn't left the NBA far behind. Just a few blocks, actually.

Philadelphia 76ers

Complete coverage of the Philadelphia 76ers and their rivals in the NBA from NBC Sports Philadelphia.

Official says no-call was wrong to end Sixers' loss; Oubre apologizes for reaction 

3 observations after Sixers lose dramatic, controversial game in Harden's return

His office these days is located in a building near the one he had as commissioner, the job he left in 2014 after 30 years in which he helped turn a struggling league into a $5 billion annual behemoth.

For the most part, he likes the direction of the league the last three years.

"In addition to the talent, I'm in awe of the shooting skills of Steph Curry, of Klay Thompson, of a (Russell) Westbrook and a (James) Harden, et cetera," Stern told The Associated Press by phone. "But I'm also in awe of the potential the league has both digitally and globally. So the game is strong, the attendance is at a record, the future is extraordinary internationally and the league is a leader under Adam (Silver) in the digital sphere.

"So it's really a wonderful opportunity for the owners, for the players, and for my former colleagues at the team and league level."

Stern, as would be expected, is keenly aware that it hasn't been smooth sailing for Silver and the league. The NBA is still searching for solutions to some problems that were vexing under Stern, such as tanking and healthy players sitting out games (see full story).

Copyright CSNPhily
Contact Us