Rudy Gobert pulls down career-best 28 rebounds

Rudy Gobert commanded attention in the paint from start to finish in the Utah Jazz’s road game against the Golden State Warriors on Sunday in San Francisco.

The hard-working French center grabbed a career-high 28 rebounds (eight offensive boards) and scored 24 points in 32 productive minutes, but it wasn’t enough to lead the Jazz past the hosts. Golden State defeated Utah 131-119.

The Jazz dropped to 28-10, including 12-8 on the road. The Warriors, meanwhile, improved to 20-19 (13-6 at home).

Gobert, who finalized a five-year, $205 million contract extension with the Jazz in December, is No. 2 in the NBA this season in rebounding average (13.5 per game). Clint Capela of the Atlanta Hawks is No. 1 (14.3).

Rudy Gobert, Warriors fall behind early

Rudy Gobert’s team trailed 33-22 after the first period and failed to rally past the Warriors in the second half. (Utah pulled within one on multiple occasions in the fourth quarter, but couldn’t get over the hump.)

As a result, Golden State snapped a four-game losing streak.

For the Warriors, Stephen Curry led the way with 32 points and Andrew Wiggins added 28 points on 12-for-16 shooting, while Draymond Green finished with a triple-double (11 points, 12 rebounds, 12 assists).

Like Gobert, Donovan Mitchell scored 24 points for the Jazz, Mike Conley had 23 points and Jordan Clarkson 21.

Jazz coach Snyder’s insights on Gobert

After the loss, Utah coach Quin Snyder said that Rudy Gobert had laser-sharp focus during the game.

“I think he’s keeping his focus and there’s times when Rudy can let what’s happening on one end of the floor impact the other,” Snyder observed, according to The Associated Press. “He’s just been much more consistent that that. When he does that he’s obviously very impactful.”