Minnesota's Rudy Gobert has been a play in two games in the Western Conference Finals
Anthony Edwards and the Timberwolves competed in Game 2 of the Western Conference Finals Thursday. Oklahoma City played 114-88 on Tuesday night.
Minnesota struggled against the Thunder in Game 1, as did Game 2. Three of their five starters ended with less than double-digit points. This is not a winning recipe for the Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert scored seven points for Minnesota in two games in WCF. Is it time to separate the Timberwolves from Gobert?
Rudy Gobert has been the unshowed Timberwolves in WCF
Rudy Gobert in WCF:
5 points | 40%fg | -9
2 points | 33%FG | -2(pass @realapp_ ) pic.twitter.com/dgql6vm9nd
– nbacentral (@thedunkcentral) May 23, 2025
After the 2021-22 season, the Utah Jazz traded big man Rudy Gobert to the Timberwolves. In return, the Jazz received four first-round picks, a 2026 first-round pick deal, Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Jarred Vanderbilt and Leandro Bolmaro. Timberwolves went all out to become their future starting center. Rudy Gobert helped the team make two consecutive appearances in the Western Conference Finals in three seasons at Minnesota.
However, Minnesota lost 118-103 to the Thunder on Thursday, down 2-0 in the series. Rudy Gobert is a dying player in the modern NBA. The 32-year-old is a dominant force in defense. His offense isn't close to what he can do on the other end of the court. Rudy Gobert scored on the tour, or grabbed the rebound and knocked back quickly.
Gobert scored 7 points in two games at WCF. Two points and two points in Game 1. Rudy Gobert will never be a player who scores over 20 points a night. But for Minnesota, he could be both threats. The four-time defensive player of the year only has one double-team in 12 playoff games in 2025. He did have nine rebounds in Game 2, but that means he can't contribute his situation offensively. Gobert and Timberwolves are home to matches 3 and 4. Can Rudy Gobert strengthen and be threatened at both ends of the court?
