20 points in money-time

If Rudy Gobert was the obvious number 1 attraction this Friday night in Utah, for his first game with the Jazz in another jersey, D’Angelo Russell however ended the night in the boss’s seat. In Wolves’ victory (118-108), D-Lo confirmed his excellent start to December.

So how did we find the ice in his veins?

Often singled out for his irregularity, D’Angelo Russell knew he had to raise his level of play. He knew that in the absence of Karl-Anthony Towns, and with a Minnesota team in clear need of victories, he might not stay comfortably installed in his 4th option seat. The Wolves moved to Utah this Friday evening, in a particular context since Rudy Gobert played for the first time as a visitor in the room where he has always played since his arrival in the NBA.

Generally, this kind of high intensity game can test the emotional strength of your squad.

If the group is united, that the guys are together, they will certainly be keen to release their best match in order to support their friend in question.

And in the continuity of his excellent start to the month of December, D’Angelo Russell showed up in a suit and tie in Salt Lake City.

D’Angelo Russell’s first 3 games in December.

27 points at 10/16 shooting
28 points at 4/9 three-point
30 points at 6/9 three-point

At this rate, he crushes Wilt around Christmas.

— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) December 10, 2022

30 points including 20 in the fourth quarter alone, it was D-Lo in the text with the ice in the veins.

Above all, the Jazz should be congratulated for their excellent defense (no), the team led by Will Hardy going into the zone and being punished as a result. Between the passes of Kyle Anderson (12 assists), the placement of teammates and the spaces left, Russell took full advantage of the scenario of this money-time to sanction Utah. And it was necessary, because if Rudy had also decided to show up with a bulging chest (22 points, 13 rebounds), it was not Anthony Edwards who enjoyed the whole meeting.

However, as we often say: starting strong is good, but finishing strong is better.

And between a few crucial baskets from Edwards as well as the murderous banderillas from D’Angelo, it was an entire Minnesota team that was able to walk away with the main and most important. A victory, for Rudy back in Utah, and without KAT in the ranks. Congratulated following the match by his coach and his teammates, Russell is in a good dynamic at the moment and we will have to continue in this direction.

Two trips to Portland followed by a visit to the Clippers and then the Thunder? This is the kind of program that will still require 2 or 3 nice ice cubes.