2023-12-07 07:30:00
How good it feels to receive love. This is what he admitted Rudy Gobert a few weeks ago. Judged solely through the prism of his transfer – and the many assets given up by the Minnesota Timberwolves to recover him last year – the French pivot was heavily criticized last season. His impact is undeniable but his style differs from that of the other stars in this league. It is often underappreciated or underrated.
But that’s over. It is impossible to miss the man’s enormous contribution to the best team in the league after 20 matches. The Wolves won a sixteenth victory by inflicting their fifteenth defeat in a row on the San Antonio Spurs (102-94). And Gobert, as often, was the driving force behind the iron defense which allowed his team to win.
CQFR: Gobert radiant, Embiid and Bane smashing
He scored 16 points while converting 7 of his 8 attempts. He grabbed 20 rebounds. Blocked 2 opposing shots. All in front of his young compatriot Victor Wembanyama, a prodigy stifled and limited to 12 points. But the most impressive remains the 31-year-old’s differential: +31 in 30 minutes during a match that was fairly close for most of the time and ultimately won by 8 lengths.
« I’ve never seen him look so good. He has never been stronger on both ends of the court », confided son coach Chris Finch.
The main person said the same thing earlier in the season. Anyone who follows Wolves on a daily basis will also share this opinion. Rudy Gobert is stronger, more dominant, more mobile, more present than he has ever been. Above all, he seems at peace. In any case, his incessant efforts and his contribution are (finally?) recognized by the fans. And especially those of his franchise. Minneapolis fans gave him a standing ovation as he left the field Wednesday night.
Standing ovation for Rudy Gobert ????????, it’s fucking beautiful ????
16 points 21 rebounds 2 blocks +31 plus/minus… A monstrous job #RaisedByWolvespic.twitter.com/9xTALJp0k8
— Tom Compayrot (@Tom_Cprt) December 7, 2023
It’s beautiful. But above all it is deserved.
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