DENVER — Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is questionable for Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets due to personal reasons, according to the team.
While the Timberwolves did not specify the reasons for his potential absence, it was previously known that Gobert and his longtime girlfriend had been expecting a baby during this postseason. As Gobert told The Deseret News in Salt Lake City in March, he planned on being there for the birth of his first child.
“I would do anything I can to be there,” Gobert said. “I don’t think there’s any debate to have. Coach (Chris) Finch and every guy in this locker room, that’s what I love about them, we have a level of human connection and empathy for one another that I think is really good. And I think all the guys will be literally telling me, ‘Don’t play, go.’”
Gobert, a three-time Defensive Player of the Year, played a massive part in Minnesota’s 106-99 Game 1 win on Saturday, finishing with six points, three blocks and a game-high 13 rebounds. He was one of three Timberwolves big men who did a wonderful job slowing down Denver’s two-time MVP, Nikola Jokić, who had seven turnovers and shot just 11 of 25 (30.6 percent) from the field.
(Photo of Rudy Gobert and Nikola Jokić: Ron Chenoy / USA Today)
