Rudy Gobert missed Game 2 of the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ Western Conference Semifinals matchup with Denver Nuggets due to personal reasons. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year became a father for the first time on Monday morning, welcoming a son. While he attempted to fly back to Denver, he was unable to rejoin the team in time.
His absence did not affect Minnesota, however, as they won the game 106-80, taking a 2-0 series lead. Gobert is expected to rejoin the team for Friday’s Game 3, according to Shams Charania. Speaking on the Run It Back podcast, the NBA insider stated:
He had the birth of his child – first newborn child, a son – and he actually tried to fly and make it to the game in Denver. He tried to fly throughout the day yesterday, but weather conditions in Denver – also in Minnesota – supposedly it was super windy in Denver. Flights were being delayed. He did not make it for the game. I think everyone obviously expects him to play in Game 3 in Minnesota.
Gobert faced criticism for missing a postseason game – notably from Gilbert Arenas. The Timberwolves play, however, did not suffer as they were able to take a commanding 2-0 series lead. Minnesota’s victory was largely due to a strong defensive performance, leading to Charania to praise head coach Chris Finch. In five games this postseason, Gobert has averaged 13.2 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.8 assists, 1.2 steals and 1.2 blocks per game while shooting 59.5% from the field and 88.0% from the free-throw line.
Rudy Gobert among finalists for Defensive Player of the Year
Rudy Gobert has been named Defensive Player of the Year three times. He has had three additional top-three finishes, and two more top-seven finishes. After failing to receive any votes last season, he is once again a finalist for the award. Gobert, Miami Heat center Bam Adebayo and San Antonio Spurs center Victor Wembanyama are the three finalists. The final voting results will be announced on Inside the NBA at 6:30 p.m. ET.
Gobert is the favorite to win the award after leading the Minnesota Timberwolves to the league’s best defense. Minnesota ranked first in both opponents points per game and defensive rating. It would mark his fourth time receiving the honors. Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Famers Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace are the only players to be named Defensive Player of the Year four times. Gobert averaged 14.0 points, 12.9 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 0.7 steals and 2.1 blocks per game while shooting 66.1% from the field in 2023-24.
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