“Without Rudy, we can’t win this series”: when Gobert receives praise from his coach after the Wolves qualify

He is one of the great architects of victory. Often underestimated, criticized or even mocked by observers with more or less knowledge of basketball, Rudy Gobert has this time silenced all his detractors. The Frenchie of the Minnesota Timberwolves was decisive and decisive in the qualification of his team for the semi-finals of the NBA Western Conference at the expense of the Denver Nuggets, eliminated in six rounds (4-2).

Since the start of this series, Gobert has played the Cerberus and stifled Denver Nuggets star and three-time NBA MVP Nikola Jokic with his defense.

Beyond his ability to stop the Serb, Gobert was also very valuable in the game in the absence of Wolves star Anthony Edwards (knee), Donte DiVincenzo (ruptured Achilles tendon) and Ayo Dosunmu (calf).

He finished the game with 10 points, 13 rebounds, 2 blocks and 8 assists, some of which were worthy of a playmaker. “It was a collective effort,” explained the Frenchman after the match. I had to set the tone, bring intensity and make the right choices in attack. »

Repeated performances since the start of the final stages which were also praised by his coach Chris Finch.

“Rudy Gobert was sensational too. He’s the co-MVP of the series, says the Wolves coach. He’s close to a triple-double tonight with 8 assists, which is crazy. On defense, he contested all shots and was good at rebounding. I don’t know if I’ve ever seen anyone defend Jokic so well in so many games. It’s extremely difficult to defend on this player. Rudy did everything, he made the right choices and very few stupid mistakes. He contested every shot. Without Rudy, we don’t win this series. »

“He was incredible,” assures his partner Jaden McDaniels. As a player and defender, he’s Hall of Fame level. He will have a new challenge in the next round and he will succeed. » A major challenge indeed since Gobert and the Wolves will face Victor Wembanyama’s Spurs for a tantalizing duel.