The Utah Jazz struggled mightily in Game 1 against the Memphis Grizzlies, falling 112-109 in a game that was much closer than it seemed for much of the second half.
After a slow start, Memphis overcame Utah thanks to a fantastic performance from Ja Morant and Dillon Brooks in the backcourt, as well as Jonas Valanciunas’ work on the glass and in containing Rudy Gobert. Gobert fouled out late in the fourth quarter while vying for a rebound with Valanciunas, forcing the Jazz to finish the rally without two of their best players. That didn’t mean Gobert was finished interfering with the proceedings.
With 1:35 left in the game, Gobert decided this was his opportunity to get a rage technical foul on the Grizzlies, so he strolled down the baseline to Kyle Anderson, who gently pushed him aside as he walked back to the court. In an all-time shameless flop, Gobert attempted to win an Oscar.
Though flopping in the NBA is nothing new, Gobert appears to be breaking new ground by doing so while not even in the game. Despite being fouled out, the guy manages to flail to the ground. For a player who isn’t exactly well-liked around the world, Gobert’s incredible flop while not even playing isn’t exactly helping his profile. Fortunately, the referees did not buy Gobert’s acting work, and Anderson received no technicals; however, if anything happens, Gobert could face a fine.
