Gobert Blasts Timberwolves’ Effort After Collapse Against Pelicans
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Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert sharply criticized his teammates’ energy following a 119-115 defeat to the New Orleans Pelicans on Friday night, labeling their performance “unacceptable.”
The Timberwolves built an 18-point cushion early in the third quarter in Minneapolis but were outscored down the stretch, allowing the 14th-place Pelicans to surge ahead midway through the fourth. Gobert, who recorded 12 points and 16 rebounds, told reporters that a championship-minded club cannot tolerate lapses in effort.
“I’m on straight effort. I’m just talking straight effort,” the three-time Defensive Player of the Year said. “Mistakes are part of the game, but the effort for a team that wants to play for a championship is unacceptable.” He added that the coaching staff might need to bench players who fail to compete hard enough, although he did not mention anyone by name.
Head coach Chris Finch, speaking Saturday before Minnesota’s matchup with the LA Clippers, said the matter had already been discussed internally. “Disappointing he felt the need to go outside,” Finch noted. “Nonetheless, that’s been addressed already today. There’s never been a team that’s won anything meaningful that substituted their way there.”
The loss dropped Minnesota to 32-21, tying the club with the Phoenix Suns in the loss column for the Western Conference’s No. 6 seed.
Source: ESPN
