DENVER — Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is questionable for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets due to personal reasons, according to the team.
While the Timberwolves did not specify the reasons for his potential absence, it was previously known that Gobert and his longtime girlfriend had been expecting a baby during this postseason.
As Gobert told The Deseret News in Salt Lake City in March, he planned on being there for the birth of his first child.
“I would do anything I can to be there,” Gobert said.
“I don’t think there’s any debate to have.
And I think all the guys will be literally telling me, ‘Don’t play, go.’ ” Gobert, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, played a massive part in Minnesota’s 106-99 Game 1 win on Saturday, finishing with six points, three blocks and a game-high 13 rebounds.
He was one of three Timberwolves big men who slowed down Denver’s two-time MVP, Nikola Jokić, who had seven turnovers and shot just 11 of 25 from the field, including just 2 of 9 from beyond the 3-point arc.
Required Reading Thompson: Anthony Edwards is looking a lot like Michael Jordan Game 1 showed that these Wolves are built to stop Nikola Jokić (Photo of Rudy Gobert and Nikola Jokić: Ron Chenoy / USA Today)
DENVER— The Minnesota Timberwolves have stated that center Rudy Gobert is doubtful for Game 2 of their Western Conference semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets because of personal matters.
The Timberwolves did not provide an explanation for Gobert’s probable absence, but it was previously known that he was expecting a child with his longtime girlfriend this postseason. In March, Gobert stated to The Deseret News in Salt Lake City that he intended to be present for the birth of his first child.
Gobert declared, “I would do everything in my power to be there.”. “I don’t believe that there is a point of contention. I think that’s what’s so great about Coach (Chris) Finch and all the guys in this locker room—we have a really good empathy and human connection to one another. And I believe that every guy will be telling me to leave, literally saying, “Don’t play.”. ‘”.
With three NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, three blocks, and a game-high thirteen rebounds, Gobert contributed significantly to Minnesota’s 106-99 victory in Game 1. He was one of three big men for the Timberwolves who helped slow down Nikola Jokić, the two-time MVP of Denver. Jokić had seven turnovers and only made 11 of 25 field goals, including just two of nine from beyond the 3-point line.
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Thompson: Anthony Edwards has a striking resemblance to Michael Jordan.
It was evident from Game 1 that these Wolves are designed to prevent Nikola Jokiķ.
(Image: Ron Chenoy / USA Today; Rudy Gobert and Nikola Jokić).
