Rudy Gobert is the man of the hour for the Utah Jazz. Despite Donovan Mitchell's insane 45-point showing, the Los Angeles Clippers stormed right back to be within a three-pointer away from overtime.

But the Jazz center wasn't in the mood for some extra basketball:

Rudy Gobert finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds, and three blocks – but none bigger than that last one. The Jazz center was able to make his presence felt despite a measly offensive output, making just two of his six field goal attempts.

RECOMMENDED (Article Continues Below)
Jazz Lauri Markkanen amid Ryan Smith bringing NHL Coyotes to Utah

Jay Postrado ·

Jordan Clarkson and Danny Ainge on one side, a bunch of Utah Jazz fans on the other side with angry emojis over their faces

Shervon Fakhimi ·

Mavericks' Kyrie Irving, Mavericks' Jason Kidd both in front. Mavericks and Clippers logos in background.

Joey Mistretta ·

But there's a reason he's the Defensive Player of the Year, as he stymied Clippers penetration all game, forcing them out of the pain by his sheer presence. But Gobert showed he could step outside of the shaded lane once in a while to get some of his swats.

The Jazz led by double digits with just over five minutes left in the game, but LA put up a late flurry as George and Kawhi scored five points in the final 1:08 to trim the lead from eight to three. As Mitchell missed the potential dagger on the offensive side, the Clippers looked poised to get one last crack at extending the game. But Rudy Gobert was too much man for them to handle, as Utah takes a 1-0 series lead.