Watch Utah Jazz @ Orlando Magic via a free live stream on skysports.com and the Sky Sports mobile on Saturday at 10pm
Saturday 15 December 2018 09:40, UK
Rudy Gobert's ejection against the Houston Rockets happened so early in the game that it gave the Utah Jazz center plenty of time to think.
After he stormed off the court early in the December 6 match-up, the reigning Defensive Player of the Year has had time to calm down and do some self-reflection.
"I had a stupid reaction," he said. "I think I can blame myself more than anything."
Gobert was ejected just 2:47 minutes into the nationally-televised matchup with the Houston Rockets. According to ESPN, it was the fastest ejection for a starter in at least 15 years.
The Jazz center was whistled for his first foul during the opening tipoff and was called for a second on what the referees deemed to be too much contact with Rockets guard James Harden under the basket at the 9:13 mark of the opening quarter.
As Gobert walked to the bench, he swiped at a cup of water on the scorer's table, knocking it into the air and voicing his displeasure to an official.
Almost immediately, Gobert said, he realised he had gone too far.
"I was kind of like, 'Hopefully it's just a technical,'" he said. "Just a stupid reaction."
Gobert did not get off that easily and was ejected from the game.
"Just frustration," said Gobert, who was previously fined earlier $15,000 by the NBA for publicly criticising officials. "I think a lot of frustration."
After his early exit Gobert went back to the locker room, jumped on an exercise bike and watched the game on television. Jazz general manager Dennis Lindsey spoke with Gobert briefly, too.
"He just checked if I was OK," Gobert said. "I was OK. Just a little frustrated, but it happens. I'm a competitor and I want to win."
On the court, the Jazz responded with a 118-91 win over the Rockets.
"Very proud of the guys," Gobert said. "It was a great win."
Utah's starting center, meanwhile, said he wants to learn from his mistake.
"I've got to be smarter," Gobert said. "It didn't cost the team [against Houston], but it can cost the team [in future]. Losing me in the first quarter is not the smartest thing to do."
Watch the Utah Jazz take on the Orlando Magic in Mexico City via a free live stream on skysports.com and the Sky Sports mobile app on Saturday at 10pm. TV viewers can watch the game live on Sky Sports Mix
