This is the kind of performance that will silence the Rudy Gobert “haters” a bit… or not. The French pivot was decisive in the victory of the Minnesota Timberwolves, on the night between Friday and Saturday, against the Denver Nuggets of a certain Nikola Jokic (119-116), voted best in the NBA last season for the third time in his career.
But the game was eventful for Gobert, who scored 17 points and 14 rebounds. In the final quarter, he suffered a “poster dunk” for the first time from Christian Braun, a player much shorter than him (1.98 m versus 2.16 m). On this play, the Denver player knocked him down, then the two men clashed violently and each received a technical foul.
At the time, Denver led the Wolves by 8 points (102-110) and seemed on their way to winning. Not to mention the perfect conclusion of the game by Minnesota, who scored the last ten points of the game, winning on the wire. And in terms of money, Gobert was particularly decisive.
Two free throws and a final stop
He first grabbed a defensive rebound, then made his two free throws in stride to increase the Wolves’ lead to three points, before another great defense against Nikola Jokic to close out the game. Gobert finished the game with 17 points and 14 rebounds in the wake of Anthony Edwards (29 points).
Next night, Rudy Gobert will face a different kind of challenge as his team travels to San Antonio where he will find Victor Wembanyama in front of him in the paint.
On other levels the French shone less although we must highlight the good performance of Rayan Rupert, author of 14 points, in Portland’s defeat against the Oklahoma City Thunder (137-114). Last year’s No. 1 draft pick Zaccharie Risacher was decent (3 points) and clumsy (1-of-9 shooting) during the Atlanta Hawks’ home loss to the Sacramento Kings (115-123).
It should also be noted that two teams remain undefeated this season: Cleveland, who beat the Orlando Magic (120-109) signing a sixth success in as many games, and then the Oklahoma City Thunder, easy winners of Portland with 30 points from Shai Gilgeous – Alexander scores his fifth success.
Interview between Time.news Editor and Basketball Expert
Time.news Editor: Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re diving into an exciting recent NBA matchup between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Denver Nuggets. Joining us is basketball expert and analyst, Dr. Emily Johnson. Emily, thanks for being here!
Dr. Emily Johnson: Thank you for having me! Excited to break down this thrilling game.
Editor: Let’s get right into it. Rudy Gobert had a standout performance, scoring 17 points and grabbing 14 rebounds. This seems to be a significant night for him, especially given the ongoing scrutiny from critics. What do you make of his performance?
Dr. Johnson: Absolutely, Gobert’s performance was key. He’s often been criticized for his offensive game, but last night he showed he can contribute significantly on both ends of the floor. His ability to rack up rebounds and score timely points helped the Timberwolves secure that win against a tough opponent.
Editor: Right. He faced a bit of adversity too, notably when Christian Braun dunked on him. How do you think moments like that impact a player’s mindset during a game?
Dr. Johnson: Moments like that can be tough, especially for a player of Gobert’s stature. Getting “posterized” can affect a player’s confidence, but how he responded was impressive. Instead of letting it demoralize him, he continued to contribute crucially in the final quarter, which speaks to his resilience and determination.
Editor: Interesting point. Late in the game, the Timberwolves managed to pull off a comeback scoring the last ten points, despite being down by eight. What does this say about their team mentality and chemistry?
Dr. Johnson: It highlights a strong sense of teamwork and belief in each other. They didn’t panic when trailing; instead, they rallied to execute their game plan effectively under pressure. That kind of composure often comes from great chemistry on the court and trust in their offensive and defensive strategies.
Editor: Speaking of strategies, Gobert’s role in that late-game push must have been critical. How did his presence help the team in those final moments?
Dr. Johnson: Gobert’s presence in the paint changes the dynamics for any opponent’s offense. Defensively, he’s a shot-blocking threat, which can intimidate players driving to the hoop. Offensively, his rebounding skills created additional opportunities for second-chance points. His ability to draw fouls also puts pressure on the opposing team, forcing them to play more cautiously.
Editor: And don’t forget the financial aspect. The Minnesota management has invested heavily in him. Was this performance a sign of him justifying that investment?
Dr. Johnson: Indeed. For a player with such a significant contract, performances like this are essential. It’s about showing fans and the front office that he can deliver in crucial moments. It not only boosts his confidence but also reinforces his value to the team and helps quiet the critics who question that investment.
Editor: Well, Emily, this game certainly showcased some thrilling basketball. Any final thoughts on what we can expect from Gobert and the Timberwolves moving forward?
Dr. Johnson: I think we’ll see Gobert continue to evolve this season. If he can maintain this level of performance, it bodes well for the Timberwolves’ playoff aspirations. The key will be his ability to stay consistent and for the team to continue building on this momentum.
Editor: Great insights today, Emily. Thank you for sharing your expertise with us, and we look forward to another exciting season of NBA basketball!
Dr. Johnson: Thank you! Always a pleasure to discuss basketball.