MINNEAPOLIS — The Minnesota Timberwolves are heading to the Western Conference Semifinals after a surprise first-round victory over the Denver Nuggets. Despite missing Anthony Edwards, Donte Divincenzo, and Ayo Dosunmu for Game 6, the Timberwolves secured a victory thanks in large part to a collective effort. A couple of players have seen their reputations rise due to their performance in this series. The chief benefactor on the Timberwolves has to be Rudy Gobert, who confirmed his reputation as one of the game’s greatest defenders by having a defensive masterclass against Nuggets’ four-time MVP Nikola Jokic. People can no longer snuff at Gobert when he’s referred to as a future Hall of Famer.
Timberwolves Win Over Nuggets Benefits Rudy Gobert The Most And It’s Not Even Close
Pre-Series Expectations and Doubts
Heading into this series, there were concerns about the Timberwolves in this matchup. Despite making the conference finals in back-to-back seasons, there were doubts about the Timberwolves as contenders. So understandably, the Nuggets were favoured over the Timberwolves in this first-round series. Another factor that enhanced their perception as favourites was the season Jokic had. He had his best season statistically, with averages of 27.7 points, 12.9 rebounds, 10.7 assists, and 1.4 steals on shooting splits of 57/38/83.
Gobert vs Jokic: A Defensive Statement
Rudy Gobert, in a matchup against Nikola Jokic, had a golden opportunity to cement his all-time status. He seized the opportunity with both hands, literally. With 1.2 blocks and 1.3 steals per game, Gobert held Jokic to 43% from the field, a mark well below his playoff career mark of 52%. This was an old-fashioned centre-on-centre battle in the post. Jokic didn’t attempt a single three-point shot on Gobert.
A Résumé That Speaks Loudly
Gobert guarded the Serbian for a shade under an hour for the entirety of the series (59′). This masterclass will add to the résumé of the four-time DPOY winner. Quietly, Gobert has a jaw-dropping defensive résumé, with 11 DPOY votes and eight All-Defensive team selections (please don’t ask me how that’s possible, I’m as surprised as you). He held the player of the decade to a rough series, even flashing a new ceiling as a passer in Coach Chris Finch’s system.
Recognition Long Overdue
“I think Rudy’s probably the most misunderstood player in the history of the game,” Minnesota point guard Mike Conley said of his teammate with the Wolves and Utah. “The way that he impacts winning, just because it doesn’t look pretty all the time or is not the sexiest thing, people bypass the other 95 things he does for our team.” There’s no more apt way to describe Gobert’s game. Critics have often overlooked how much he has done to become such an elite defender. At one time, the Frenchman feared switches onto the perimeter. He worked on his game until he became not just good but great on that end. Remember this block? It’s good that he’s finally getting the praise he deserves.
Credit:© Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
