Los Angeles Clippers: 5 Takeaways As Clippers Force Game 7

Apr 28, 2017; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; LA Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) and guard Raymond Felton (2) celebrate during a time out against the Utah Jazz in game six of the first round of the 2017 NBA Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports /

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Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert keeps the ball away from Los Angeles Clippers center Marreese Speights during the second quarter of Game 6, prior to injuring his ankle in the third quarter. Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports. /

3. Rudy Gobert Gets Injured Again

Saying that Rudy Gobert changed the course of this series would be an understatement. After missing all but the first play of Game 1, Gobert returned in Game 4 and shut down the rim with his usual ferocity on defense. His return has had a bigger impact on the course of this series than Blake Griffin’s injury.

However, Gobert once again got hurt in this game, as he landed awkwardly late in the third quarter and appeared to injure his ankle. Gobert played under three minutes in the fourth quarter and sat out down the stretch even as the Jazz almost managed to come back to tie the game late.

This ankle injury is clearly not as big of an issue as his hyperextended knee was earlier in the series. After all, Gobert did continue to play in the third quarter and was at least able to make it back onto the court for the fourth quarter.

In spite of that, this injury could be devastating to Utah’s chances in Game 7. The quick turnaround between Games 6 and 7 means that Gobert will not have any significant time to rehab his injury. If it does end up limiting him in Game 7, that alone could be enough to carry the Clippers to victory.

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