After a stretch of upsets, the Minnesota Timberwolves got going on a rhythm. Anthony Edwards announced the squad was ‘locked in’ after a win against the Phoenix Suns. Maybe they had finally broken through their problems. However, old tendencies made a return against the Toronto Raptors. In the heated matchup that the Wolves lost, star center Rudy Gobert is coming under fire.
His thread of plays in the fourth quarter might have cost the Timberwolves a chance at turning their night around. At first, Gobert, after being denied the ball in the paint by Julius Randle, got called for a three-second violation. The game was tied at that moment. Every possession counted in the clutch, particularly in a game that had been as intense as theirs.
Barnes, returning from an injury celebrated the call. Gobert, upon seeing it took out his frustration on the 23-year-old dynamic forward. In the very next play down the floor, Gobert pushed him down to the ground. Being in the bonus, Barnes hit down two lead-taking free throws in what became a 5-point win for the Raptors.
Timberwolves fans have seen enough from Rudy Gobert
By all means, having arguably a greater set of talent on their roster, Wolves fans were irked. The sensation remained harmonious – they should’ve won. Because of his clutch time plays, fans placed the blame of the result on the shoulders of the French center. “Get rid of him he’s too much for liability on offense anyway just get rid of them. Take anything you can,” said one angered fan.
Get rid of him he’s too much for liability on offense anyways just get rid of them. Take anything you can.
— North Stars Forever (@NorthStarTrade2) November 22, 2024
In the offseason, Gobert signed a team-friendly deal. Declining a lucrative player option, the rim protector signed a three-year $110 million extension to extend his stay in Minnesota. Usually, he acts as the defensive fulcrum, playing well beside perimeter hawks. Even tonight, he made some valuable contributions, but in crunch time, there were some errors.
Some questioned the veteran’s mentality. “I don’t think I have ever seen a mature player act that way on the court. I don’t blame Randle at all for being mad. You cannot show your team up because you didn’t get the ball on one freaking post-up. Insanity from rudy,” a comment read.
I don’t think I have ever seen a mature player act that way on the court. I don’t blame Randle at all for being mad. You cannot show your team up because you didn’t get the ball on one freaking post up. Insanity from rudy.
— Shawn Glass (@journi513) November 22, 2024
It’s unfair to say the French center is the sole reason for their loss. Gobert had a 13-point double-double that included 2 blocks. However, the errors he did commit led to being the momentum shifters for the Raptors. The foul on Barnes and then a fumbled pass at the end both worked against the Wolves. And it left no time for repair.
The post Fans Smell Tension in Minnesota as Rudy Gobert’s Antics Apparently Irks Julius Randle: ‘Get Rid of Him’ appeared first on EssentiallySports.
