Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been suspended for Tuesday’s play-in game against the Los Angeles Lakers after he punched teammate Kyle Anderson in the chest during an incident on the sidelines of Sunday’s game. The altercation came during a time-out in the first half of the team’s 113-108 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. Gobert will miss one game and will be eligible to participate in a second play-in game, if necessary.
Emotions Got the Best of Gobert
According to ESPN, Anderson repeatedly hurled insults at Gobert on a night when the veteran three-time All-Star was playing hurt. This led to Gobert punching Anderson in the chest, an action that got him suspended for the upcoming play-in game against the Lakers. Gobert expressed regret for his actions in a tweet on Sunday night, apologizing to the fans, organization, and particularly to Anderson.
Timberwolves’ Play-In Game Chances
The Timberwolves are seeded eighth in the Western Conference and will play the seventh-seeded Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday for a chance to face the second-seeded Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs. With Gobert’s suspension, the team will have to make do without one of their key players in a crucial game.
Gobert’s Contributions This Season
Gobert has been named Defensive Player of the Year three times and has been an essential part of the Timberwolves’ success this season. In 70 games, he averaged 13.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 1.2 assists, making him one of the team’s top performers.
Gobert’s suspension comes as a significant setback for the Timberwolves, who will have to rely on their other players to step up in his absence. The team’s play-in game against the Lakers will be a crucial test of their ability to perform under pressure, and they will have to give it their all to advance to the first round of the playoffs.
