Behind the scenes with the Utah Jazz during the days that changed everything
4 years, 11 months ago

Behind the scenes with the Utah Jazz during the days that changed everything

New York Times  

Editor’s Note: The second part of a two-day series in which The Athletic offers an inside, behind-the-scenes look at the pivotal moments that led to the NBA shutting down the league shortly after Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert tested positive for COVID-19. And long before Gobert’s positive test would spark the suspension of the NBA season on March 11, their 53-year-old coach, Quin Snyder, was sounding the alarms. Gobert gets sick In the few days before the Jazz’s trip to Oklahoma City on Tuesday, Gobert spent time with family in town from France and coincidentally began experiencing flulike symptoms. That process was consistent.” Morning comes — finally — and the test results are in The results, which would arrive via e-mail and in staggered tiers, started arriving around 8 a.m. Snyder’s phone rang. In the two travel days leading into Utah’s game at Oklahoma City, Gobert and Mitchell shared space on a regular basis, sitting near each other on buses and the team plane, according to sources.

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History of this topic

What’s next for the Jazz after helping facilitate Mavericks-Lakers blockbuster?
1 month, 3 weeks ago

What’s next for the Jazz after helping facilitate Mavericks-Lakers blockbuster?

New York Times  

History will remember Saturday night’s trade — when the Dallas Mavericks traded superstar guard Luka Dončić to the Los Angeles Lakers for star forward Anthony Davis — as one of the biggest and most shocking in NBA history, On the night the NBA world stopped, the Utah Jazz served as an important footnote — the third team facilitating the deal …

Why Jazz have entered a development and discovery phase: ‘Want to win for a long time’
1 year, 1 month ago

Why Jazz have entered a development and discovery phase: ‘Want to win for a long time’

New York Times  

The Utah Jazz could have allowed this season to ride out without making changes. The next few months will tell if the version of the Jazz that made it through Thursday’s trade deadline will make the Play-In or the playoffs. But at the end of the day, the triumvirate of CEO Danny Ainge, general manager Justin Zanik and head coach …

As Jazz stay hot with win over Bucks, the question is: Can they keep it up?
1 year, 2 months ago

As Jazz stay hot with win over Bucks, the question is: Can they keep it up?

New York Times  

Time will tell if the Utah Jazz can keep their current trajectory. They were so dominant in the first half that when the Bucks were equally dominant in the third quarter, the Jazz still had enough breathing room to figure it out, get back on the right track and pull away at the end. But in the fourth quarter, when …

The Utah Jazz are finally playing well, so what is working for them all of a sudden?
1 year, 3 months ago

The Utah Jazz are finally playing well, so what is working for them all of a sudden?

New York Times  

On Tuesday night, the Utah Jazz defeated the San Antonio Spurs 130-118 in a game they trailed by as many as 17 points in the first quarter, had to survive the Spurs’ huge third-quarter rally and gradually pulled away at the end. Starting shooting guard Jordan Clarkson having to sit some games because of injury opened the door for Collin …

Utah Jazz season hasn’t gone as planned. Now they must proceed with caution
1 year, 3 months ago

Utah Jazz season hasn’t gone as planned. Now they must proceed with caution

New York Times  

The Detroit Pistons have lost 19 consecutive games. But we have to make sure that we keep working hard.” This season hasn’t gone the way the Jazz envisioned. For the Jazz last Friday night in a loss to the Clippers, it was a Kawhi Leonard running one-footed 3-pointer with the shot clock going dry, a shot that some on media …

Russell Westbrook ‘absolutely’ considered staying with Jazz after Lakers trade
1 year, 5 months ago

Russell Westbrook ‘absolutely’ considered staying with Jazz after Lakers trade

LA Times  

The mention of Russell Westbrook’s name during pregame introductions Friday evening was met by boos throughout a packed Delta Center. “I’m grateful for them just because — for many reasons,” the Clippers’ starting point guard said. If that’s to come and sit my ass there in street clothes and make sure I help the young guys, I’ll do that.” Clippers …

Jazz facing steep climb for a Western Conference playoff spot, even after offseason moves
1 year, 5 months ago

Jazz facing steep climb for a Western Conference playoff spot, even after offseason moves

Associated Press  

SALT LAKE CITY — New building blocks emerged for the Utah Jazz last season and that paved the way for offseason moves to accelerate a rebuilding process that began last summer. “That’s the goal,” Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen said at Utah’s media day on Monday. “That’s the one motivator for us.” Returning to the NBA playoffs could be a tough …

Utah Jazz launch ‘Jazz+’ streaming service ahead of franchise’s 50th season
1 year, 6 months ago

Utah Jazz launch ‘Jazz+’ streaming service ahead of franchise’s 50th season

New York Times  

The Utah Jazz took the next step in their new-age media rights distribution for the 2023-24 season Wednesday, as they launched Jazz+, their direct-to-consumer streaming service. The service will be a key component of the team’s broadcast plans in its 50th season as it moves off a regional sports network and allows fans to watch games either for free over …

Jazz, despite an ever-changing roster, give their fans a season to remember
1 year, 11 months ago

Jazz, despite an ever-changing roster, give their fans a season to remember

New York Times  

LOS ANGELES — The music stood out every morning. Hardy’s first team finishes 37-45 on the season, with the 37 being a near miracle. Just the flow of the season is going to be memorable.” Sunday’s loss will give the Jazz the ninth-best lottery odds in the league, roughly a 20 percent chance at jumping into the top four of …

Jazz lose to Thunder, eliminated from postseason contention: 3 observations
1 year, 11 months ago

Jazz lose to Thunder, eliminated from postseason contention: 3 observations

New York Times  

For the Utah Jazz, right now, there isn’t much to play for. The Jazz know that this is Agbaji’s swing skill, and they want to do as much as they can to help Agbaji develop that skill. It’s the reason the Jazz did their best to get Agbaji a bunch of reps in the G League before breaking into the …

NBA preview: Utah Jazz hosts Boston Celtics to tip off tough stretch of games
2 years ago

NBA preview: Utah Jazz hosts Boston Celtics to tip off tough stretch of games

The Hindu  

What seemed improbable heading into the season for Utah Jazz and even less likely after it traded three more key players in February appears to be within reach. Beginning Saturday night against Boston Celtics at home in Salt Lake City, the Jazz have the most difficult schedule remaining in the NBA. While their player transactions and acquisition of abundant first-round …

Jazz come up short in listless loss to Mavericks: ‘I felt disappointed in our focus’
2 years, 1 month ago

Jazz come up short in listless loss to Mavericks: ‘I felt disappointed in our focus’

New York Times  

The Utah Jazz were a peculiar team on Monday night. They weren’t fun on Monday night against a Dallas Mavericks team that had almost nobody of note because they had just traded for Kyrie Irving and they were already missing Luka Dončić to injury. The Jazz allowed Tim Hardaway Jr. and Reggie Bullock, Dallas’ two best shooters, to make practice …

Rudy Gobert’s former Jazz teammates preach patience for the Timberwolves
2 years, 2 months ago

Rudy Gobert’s former Jazz teammates preach patience for the Timberwolves

New York Times  

In the summer after his first season in Utah, Mike Conley picked up the phone and dialed an old friend. “It worked, and we got it to work, and it just takes time and everybody’s got to be patient.” After averaging 4.4 assists in his first season in Utah, Conley averaged 6.0 in Year 2 and made his first All-Star …

Jazz win thriller over Warriors on Simone Fontecchio’s game-clinching dunk
2 years, 3 months ago

Jazz win thriller over Warriors on Simone Fontecchio’s game-clinching dunk

New York Times  

SALT LAKE CITY — Wednesday night’s stunning 124-123 Utah Jazz win over the Golden State Warriors wasn’t about Simone Fontecchio’s game-clinching two-handed dunk. “That’s who this team is,” Jazz head coach Will Hardy said. Alexander-Walker’s defensive play on Poole notwithstanding, he was the one who found Beasley for the 3 on the previous possession, which was a terrific read and …

LeBron out as Lakers seek revenge against Utah Jazz
2 years, 4 months ago

LeBron out as Lakers seek revenge against Utah Jazz

The Hindu  

In an interesting scheduling quirk, the Utah Jazz and Los Angeles Lakers will meet Monday night in Salt Lake City after the two teams both played a pair of games in Los Angeles over the weekend. But Utah ended its three-game road swing strong for the impressive win against Paul George & Co. Jordan Clarkson led Utah with 23 points, …

Jazz making unexpected noise with 2-0 start to season
2 years, 5 months ago

Jazz making unexpected noise with 2-0 start to season

New York Times  

MINNEAPOLIS — Jordan Clarkson, platinum-toothed smile and all, approached Rudy Gobert in the final seconds of overtime Friday night. Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves needed two makes from the free-throw line with the Utah Jazz ahead by a bucket. There will be some melancholy that Friday night’s conquest came at Gobert’s expense because the Jazz took advantage of him in …

Rudy Gobert arrives in Minnesota, after 9 seasons with Utah
2 years, 8 months ago

Rudy Gobert arrives in Minnesota, after 9 seasons with Utah

Associated Press  

Rudy Gobert reads Twitter comments, so he’s aware that Minnesota fans didn’t like him very much during his first nine NBA seasons. “Just want to say thank you all for believing in me, just giving a kid like me a chance to showcase my abilities and help bring the team hopefully multiple championships,” said Williamson, who has missed most of …

Timberwolves’ big swing for Rudy Gobert: The logic and the risks
2 years, 8 months ago

Timberwolves’ big swing for Rudy Gobert: The logic and the risks

New York Times  

As the Minnesota Timberwolves mulled one of the biggest trades in franchise history, as they contemplated making a move everyone in the organization understood would be hotly debated across the league, one question crystallized the situation and ultimately convinced them to pull the trigger on a massive swing for Rudy Gobert. With McDaniels and Edwards, who showed significant improvement as …

Grading the Rudy Gobert trade: Who won — Timberwolves or Jazz?
2 years, 8 months ago

Grading the Rudy Gobert trade: Who won — Timberwolves or Jazz?

New York Times  

The Rudy Gobert era in Utah was very successful in the regular season, and it kept getting snuffed out the same way in the postseason time after time. The Minnesota Timberwolves are acquiring Rudy Gobert in exchange for four players and four first-round picks. Towns and Gobert haven’t exactly loved and respected each other on the court over the years, …

Rudy Gobert to Bulls? Evaluating a steep asking price for Chicago’s potential final title piece
2 years, 9 months ago

Rudy Gobert to Bulls? Evaluating a steep asking price for Chicago’s potential final title piece

New York Times  

One from the East. But if the Jazz aim to dump the final four years, $170 million remaining on Gobert’s deal, the Bulls gain leverage and could drive a hard negotiation. The Bulls become maybe the best defensive team in the league because Gobert would be surrounded with more help defensively than he’s ever had at any point in his …

After losing Joe Ingles to injury, the Jazz have some tough choices to make
3 years, 1 month ago

After losing Joe Ingles to injury, the Jazz have some tough choices to make

New York Times  

MINNEAPOLIS — Rudy Gay shook his head at one of the most obvious questions asked of a Utah Jazz player over the past 31 days. We’re just trying to survive.” Utah Jazz fans shouldn’t allow the current state of affairs to forever make them jilt the current team. Maybe most importantly, Ingles was probably Utah’s best pick and roll player …

Three things we’ve learned about the Utah Jazz through the preseason
3 years, 5 months ago

Three things we’ve learned about the Utah Jazz through the preseason

New York Times  

It seems a little surreal that the Utah Jazz are now less than two weeks away from opening their regular season against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Halfway to their preseason finish line, we don’t know much about what the Jazz are going to be once the regular season starts. In that vein, it would be surprising if Gobert, Conley, Mitchell …

Utah Jazz fan’s lawsuit over taunting incident dismissed
3 years, 10 months ago

Utah Jazz fan’s lawsuit over taunting incident dismissed

Associated Press  

SALT LAKE CITY — A lawsuit against the Utah Jazz by a fan who was banned for life from the team’s arena over what were called racial taunts directed at point guard Russell Westbrook was dismissed by a judge, according to court documents filed Thursday. An unrelated verbal altercation occurred at the Jazz arena Wednesday night that resulted in the …

Utah Jazz lose to Washington Wizards, and frustrations mount: ‘We have to stay hungry’
4 years ago

Utah Jazz lose to Washington Wizards, and frustrations mount: ‘We have to stay hungry’

New York Times  

In past losses over the previous few weeks, Utah Jazz players and coaches had been less far-reaching and big picture in their comments. Thursday night’s tone, after a 131-122 road loss to the Washington Wizards, proved different, and much more morbid in nature than the other defeats. That Thursday’s effort comes on the heels of Tuesday night’s win at the …

NBA: One year after his COVID-19 positive test shut down league, Rudy Gobert and Utah Jazz thriving
4 years ago

NBA: One year after his COVID-19 positive test shut down league, Rudy Gobert and Utah Jazz thriving

Firstpost  

Sitting against the austere, grey backdrop of his hotel room wall, Frenchman Rudy Gobert cut a serious figure as he addressed questions about the past, present and the future. The present, where he’s one of the four members of the Utah Jazz franchise, including coach Quin Snyder, picked for the one-day 2021 All-Star festivities. Utah coach Snyder has vivid memories …

NBA: Utah Jazz thump defending champions Lakers; Lu Dort shines in Oklahoma City Thunder's win
4 years, 1 month ago

NBA: Utah Jazz thump defending champions Lakers; Lu Dort shines in Oklahoma City Thunder's win

Firstpost  

The Western Conference-leading Jazz made 22 three-pointers to the Lakers’ eight, pulling away in the second quarter as they improved to 26-6. All-Star French centre Rudy Gobert and Jordan Clarkson scored 18 points apiece as six Jazz players scored in double figures in the dominant performance against the injury-depleted Lakers. We got away from that in the playoffs and we’re …

NBA, union stiffen virus protocols; more games postponed
4 years, 2 months ago

NBA, union stiffen virus protocols; more games postponed

Associated Press  

With five games called off this week already and more teams dealing with virus-related issues, the NBA and the National Basketball Players Association enacted additional rules Tuesday in the hope of keeping the season going safely. “I’m all for anything we possibly can do to ramp up the safety,” said Miami coach Erik Spoelstra, whose team had the NBA-minimum eight …

Jazz get their guy — and an important backup for Rudy Gobert — in Udoka Azubuike
4 years, 4 months ago

Jazz get their guy — and an important backup for Rudy Gobert — in Udoka Azubuike

New York Times  

The Utah Jazz didn’t lose their first-round playoff series against the Denver Nuggets because they couldn’t guard Jamal Murray. He is a unique player, and he comes from a great program, and he’s improved every year.” Wednesday was eventful for the Jazz. So, if you’re keeping score at home, the Jazz were able to take the guy they wanted all …

NBA: Utah Jazz beats New Orleans Pelicans
4 years, 7 months ago

NBA: Utah Jazz beats New Orleans Pelicans

The Hindu  

Rudy Gobert broke a tie by making two free throws with 6.9 seconds left, and the Utah Jazz defeated New Orleans Pelicans 106-104 in the first game of the restart to the NBA season on Thursday night. After Ingram made a technical free throw, O’Neale and Mitchell made baskets, and Utah held a 98-97 lead with four minutes remaining. Holiday …

The NBA Is Back and Nothing Is Normal
55 years, 2 months ago

The NBA Is Back and Nothing Is Normal

Slate  

The NBA is back, baby, and so are all the things you love about the league: virtual fans displayed on giant screens above the court, plexiglass-shielded sideline areas, and aerial shots of empty conference complexes in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. Update: @SHAQ finally arrived to Studio J 😂 pic.twitter.com/J14rFVLzH8 — NBA on TNT July 30, 2020 Shaq got stuck in …

Utah Jazz's Rudy Gobert still not fully recovered from COVID-19
4 years, 8 months ago

Utah Jazz's Rudy Gobert still not fully recovered from COVID-19

The Hindu  

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert, the first NBA player to reportedly test positive for COVID-19 and who drew the ire of numerous people when the league initially suspended the season, says he is still not fully recovered more than three months after his original diagnosis. On March 12, the Jazz confirmed that All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell also tested positive, with …

Coronavirus: Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell cleared after quarantining
5 years ago

Coronavirus: Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell cleared after quarantining

The Hindu  

Rudy Gobert, Donovan Mitchell and the rest of Utah Jazz's team and staff have been cleared after self-isolating due to coronavirus. All-Stars Gobert and Mitchell both subsequently confirmed they had coronavirus, with all Jazz players in either quarantine or isolation since the Thunder game was scrapped. READ | A statement from the Jazz read: "Fourteen days after being tested for …

Utah Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell are CLEARED of coronavirus
5 years ago

Utah Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell are CLEARED of coronavirus

Daily Mail  

Utah Jazz stars Rudy Gobert and Donovan Mitchell, who both contracted coronavirus, as well as their teammates have all been cleared of the respiratory infection by state health officials. The NBA season was suspended indefinitely on March 11 when Gobert first tested positive, prompting officials to pull Jazz and Thunder players off the floor before tip-off in Oklahoma City. Utah …

NBA: Utah Jazz's Donovan Mitchell continues to have no signs of COVID-19 illness despite testing positive
5 years ago

NBA: Utah Jazz's Donovan Mitchell continues to have no signs of COVID-19 illness despite testing positive

Firstpost  

Mitchell said he continues to feel fine, and that the worst physical issue he’s had during this process was going through the test for COVID-19 itself. Mitchell, speaking to ABC’s “Good Morning America" in an interview broadcast on Monday, also revealed that it “took awhile for me to kind of cool off” at Rudy Gobert, his All-Star teammate who was …

Coronavirus: Gobert apologises for unknowingly spreading COVID-19
5 years ago

Coronavirus: Gobert apologises for unknowingly spreading COVID-19

The Hindu  

Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert has issued an apology and admitted he is "embarrassed" for his "careless" part in NBA's current coronavirus disruption. Gobert mocked the measures in place to prevent the virus from spreading by jokingly touching reporters' microphones when leaving a news conference earlier this week. The NBA was subsequently suspended indefinitely, too, although Gobert was not initially …

Jazz stars Mitchell, Gobert test positive; Gobert apologizes
5 years ago

Jazz stars Mitchell, Gobert test positive; Gobert apologizes

Associated Press  

Donovan Mitchell of the Utah Jazz confirmed Thursday that he tested positive for the coronavirus, saying that he is personally dealing with the pandemic that has temporarily shut down the NBA and other major sports leagues. Later, Jazz teammate Rudy Gobert — the first NBA player to test positive, which prompted the league to suspend the season — also confirmed …

Utah Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert Reportedly Has Coronavirus; Arena Empties
5 years ago

Utah Jazz All-Star Rudy Gobert Reportedly Has Coronavirus; Arena Empties

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING Rudy Gobert, an all-star player for the NBA’s Utah Jazz, has reportedly tested positive for coronavirus moments before a game with the Oklahoma City Thunder was set to begin. As Rudy Gobert got finished discussing the situation, he stood up, leaned over and made it a point to touch every mic and recorder in front of him. …

NBA suspended, Utah Jazz player tests positive to COVID-19, as US grapples with coronavirus outbreak
5 years ago

NBA suspended, Utah Jazz player tests positive to COVID-19, as US grapples with coronavirus outbreak

ABC  

The impact of the coronavirus crisis on the sporting world has escalated, with America's NBA suspending its season. Key points: More than 1,000 people in the United States have so far tested positive to COVID-19 An NBA player has become the first professional sportsman or woman in the US to test positive The league responded to the news by suspending …

Rudy Gobert tests positive for coronavirus — What we know so far
5 years ago

Rudy Gobert tests positive for coronavirus — What we know so far

New York Times  

OKLAHOMA CITY — Utah Jazz All-Star center Rudy Gobert has tested positive for coronavirus, sources told The Athletic on Wednesday night. Sources also say Gobert is feeling good, strong and stable, and was even hoping to play on Wednesday night against Oklahoma City. On Wednesday night, as first reported by The Athletic, Gobert became the first NBA player to test …

NBA coronavirus: Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert apologizes for possibly endangering people
5 years ago

NBA coronavirus: Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert apologizes for possibly endangering people

CNN  

CNN — Two Utah Jazz players who tested positive for the novel coronavirus have updated fans on social media as to how they were doing. The NBA made several stunning moves late Wednesday, starting with postponing the Jazz’s game with host Oklahoma City Thunder right before tipoff, after learning a Jazz player preliminarily tested positive for the virus. “As a …

2nd Utah Jazz Player Tests Positive For Coronavirus After NBA Suspends Season
5 years ago

2nd Utah Jazz Player Tests Positive For Coronavirus After NBA Suspends Season

NPR  

2nd Utah Jazz Player Tests Positive For Coronavirus After NBA Suspends Season Enlarge this image toggle caption Kyle Phillips/AP Kyle Phillips/AP Updated at 1:10 p.m. ET Thursday The NBA suspended its season Wednesday after a player on the Utah Jazz preliminarily tested positive for the coronavirus. In a statement, the NBA said the initial positive test result came just before …

NBA suspends season after Jazz center Rudy Gobert tests positive for coronavirus
5 years ago

NBA suspends season after Jazz center Rudy Gobert tests positive for coronavirus

CNN  

CNN — The NBA has suspended its season after a player preliminarily tested positive for coronavirus, stunning fans and players who heard the plan at stadiums Wednesday night, and adding to a list of daily events and activities altered by the virus’ spread nationwide. Utah Jazz all-star center Rudy Gobert tested positive, according to ESPN and other media outlets, shortly …

Utah Jazz-Oklahoma City Thunder game postponed before NBA suspends season
5 years ago

Utah Jazz-Oklahoma City Thunder game postponed before NBA suspends season

LA Times  

Basketball fans react after the announcement that a game between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Utah Jazz on March 11 at Chesapeake Energy Arena has been postponed just before tip-off. Seconds before the start of the tonight’s Jazz-Thunder game in Oklahoma City, the public address announcer informed everyone that the game would be postponed. Sports NBA suspends season indefinitely …

Jazz owner Gail Miller to The Athletic: ‘Why should I let someone behave that way in my building?’
6 years ago

Jazz owner Gail Miller to The Athletic: ‘Why should I let someone behave that way in my building?’

New York Times  

This isn’t what Gail Miller wanted. From establishing a scholarship in her name and the name of her late husband Larry H. Miller, to being active for years in the Salt Lake City NAACP chapter, to encouraging players to use their collective voice on social issues, the Utah Jazz owner has tirelessly tried for years to foster an inclusive environment …

Mitchell, Jazz back Westbrook, say Utah won’t condone racism
6 years ago

Mitchell, Jazz back Westbrook, say Utah won’t condone racism

Associated Press  

NBA star Russell Westbrook will play in Utah again one day. “There is no place in our game for personal attacks or disrespect.” Westbrook was fined $25,000 for “directing profanity and threatening language to a fan.” In the video, which was posted to Twitter by The Deseret News, Westbrook is seen on the sideline near the Thunder bench saying “I’ll …

Media day brings change in narrative and expectations for this Jazz team
6 years, 6 months ago

Media day brings change in narrative and expectations for this Jazz team

New York Times  

Derrick Favors began his Utah Jazz media day session preemptively answering cliché training camp questions, drawing a big laugh from reporters in attendance. The expectations are as high for a Jazz team as they have been since perhaps the 2010-2011 season, which ended in disaster, as Deron Williams was traded and legendary coach Jerry Sloan resigned. Yes, Gobert’s the NBA’s …

NBA week 3: Five things we learnt as Miami Heat and Utah Jazz rise
9 years, 4 months ago

NBA week 3: Five things we learnt as Miami Heat and Utah Jazz rise

The Independent  

Sign up to our free sport newsletter for all the latest news on everything from cycling to boxing Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news Sign up to our free sport email for all the latest news SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Last year’s …

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