Gobert Sees Thunder Matchup as Potential Turning Point for Timberwolves
SLUG: gobert-sees-thunder-matchup-turning-point-timberwolves
Rudy Gobert expects Sunday’s visit to Oklahoma City to jolt the Minnesota Timberwolves out of their recent uneven stretch. Speaking after Friday’s narrow 114-110 victory over a short-handed Golden State club, the veteran center said facing the league-leading Thunder — the team that eliminated Minnesota in five games in last year’s Western Conference finals — should provide an ideal measuring stick.
“It’s a great challenge and a great opportunity,” Gobert said. “They play hard for 48 minutes no matter who’s on the floor. That’s the kind of mindset we want.”
Playoff race tightens
At 41-26, Minnesota is tied with Denver for fifth in the West and sits just two games above the play-in cutoff. The club’s calling-card defense has slipped, ranking 29th in defensive rating over the past four games.
“It’s miscommunication,” guard Anthony Edwards explained. “Turning the ball over doesn’t help, especially when our defense isn’t at a high level — and I’m turning it over the most.”
Edwards’ knee scare
Edwards poured in 42 points Friday but collided with Golden State’s LJ Cryer in the final minute, grabbing his right knee before declaring afterward, “I’m good.” Head coach Chris Finch said Edwards was still on the floor only because the Wolves failed to put the Warriors away earlier. “It’s a microcosm of our season,” Finch noted. “We play well, then lose focus and have to regroup.”
Gobert on DPOY race with Wembanyama
In a separate conversation with Mark Medina of RG, Gobert discussed competing with fellow Frenchman Victor Wembanyama for Defensive Player of the Year honors. “May the best win,” Gobert said, adding that he has tried to mentor the Spurs rookie and is “really proud of him.”
Consistency questions
The Timberwolves’ up-and-down effort has become a defining trait and could undermine them in the postseason, columnist Chris Hine wrote in the Minneapolis Star Tribune.
Source: Hoops Rumors
