Houston Rockets: 3 takeaways from Game 3 vs. Jazz
2. Clint Capela strikes again against Rudy Gobert
Despite failing to register his fifth straight double-double on the postseason, Clint Capela still managed to stand out among the rest of the Rockets by using his energy, mobility and length to beat Utah center Rudy Gobert at his own game.
In Game 3, the 23-year-old center — who currently ranks third in rebounds per game in the 2018 NBA Playoffs — proved to be an invaluable presence on the defensive end, taking on the task of handling guards in pick-and-roll switches.
The Rockets dismantled the Jazz in the first half largely because they were engaged defensively. No one was more influential than Clint Capela who was everywhere on defense. #Rockets pic.twitter.com/831NSeURo1
— Justin Jett (@JustinJett_) May 5, 2018
He also challenged a bevy of shots throughout the night inside, finishing with four blocks on the night — including this one on The Stifle Towel himself.
This is Clint Capela's house, the Jazz just pay rent pic.twitter.com/ss1dI5CwbE
— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) May 5, 2018
Although the final stat sheet will show that Gobert finished his night with 12 points and nine rebounds compared to Capela’s 11 points and eight rebounds, no one can deny that the fourth-year man out of Switzerland had arguably the most important impact on the game’s official blueprint.
In a game in which the Rockets were seeking to desperately bounce back, Capela helped Houston respond big time with a hook shot in the lane to provide them with their first two points on the night, and played a pivotal part in guiding them in the midst of a 9-0 run by Utah midway through the second quarter by throwing down several jams to counter.
This become a customary theme all postseason long for the Swiss Roll and it was huge in putting the Jazz in a hole early in Game 3.