Gobert's Game Exit and Coach's Assurance
On Sunday night, Rudy Gobert was ruled out for personal reasons during the Timberwolves' win over the Kings. He had already notched 7 points and 12 rebounds in 20 minutes before leaving midway through the third quarter.
Coach Chris Finch addressed concerns in a Tuesday interview, stating, 'Absolutely everything's OK with Rudy. He'll be back today and in the lineup tomorrow.' This update reassures fans amid Minnesota's push in the Western Conference.
The personal matter did not impact team performance, as the Wolves secured the victory, highlighting their depth even without their star center for the full game.
Gobert's Strong 2025-26 Season Stats
Gobert is averaging 11.6 points, 10.5 rebounds, and 2.0 assists per game this season, ranking 6th in the NBA for rebounds. His recent games show double-digit scoring in three of the last four outings, including 4 blocks in one matchup.
Game logs reveal consistency: against recent opponents, he's posted lines like 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 blocks, and 21 points with 9 rebounds earlier. These stats underscore his role in Minnesota's 17-10 record.
Despite a recent slump with losses, Gobert's efficiency from the field (around 60-80% in many games) and rebounding keep the Timberwolves competitive in the West.
Impact on Timberwolves' Roster and Outlook
The Timberwolves, bolstered by Gobert alongside Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, aimed for contention after back-to-back Western Conference Finals. However, bench issues have emerged as a concern this season.
Gobert's quick return is crucial, especially with Edwards day-to-day due to foot soreness. Finch noted progress for Edwards, but Gobert's availability stabilizes the frontcourt.
Trade rumors linking Gobert to teams like Phoenix persist, but Minnesota values his defense. His continued play could propel the Wolves toward playoff success.