MINNEAPOLIS — After a rough 0-13 shooting stretch for Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert that drew major criticism from fans and even his coach, the four-time defensive player of the year responded in a big way.
“I see a lot of short arms, a lot of flips, a lot of like kind of finesse shots around there,” said Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch during media availability prior to this evening’s contest. “I think he just needs, you know, more extension, more more, you know, more pat, more just trying to dump more stuff, honestly. And, you know, trying to, he's trying to play off contact in the wrong way, you know, so, that's, to me, that's it.”
Gobert certainly heeded the seventh-year head coach’s advice. In a 127-101 win over the Clippers, where he logged 30 minutes, Gobert scored nine points on 4-7 shooting from the field, while corralling 13 boards and finishing a +18 overall in the plus/minus category.
“I thought he did a great job,” said Finch postgame. “I thought he made all the right plays when the ball came his way. We kept trusting him, and, you know, it's part of the process right now, just to keep, like, working on that connection, in the different coverages that we see where Rudy is open there. You know, you had a couple of really good kick-outs from the pocket that got us some easy buckets.”
Jaden McDaniels dunker spot layup, created by LaMelo Ball + Rudy Gobert pic.twitter.com/kuEaqYTv54
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) October 31, 2026
In addition to those solid totals in the points and rebounds categories, Gobert tacked on four assists, with multiple impressive kick-outs to wide-open shooters, as the defense would collapse in on him in the paint. The four assists are a season-high for the now 14-year NBA veteran.
Article Continues Below“I mean, he handled it good,” said Timberwolves forward Jaden McDaniels when asked about the passing of the Timberwolves defensive stalwart Gobert. “I mean, he was patient, he made his reads, and he made the right passes, so I mean, it was nothing more we could ask for.”
McDaniels had a wildly productive game in his own right, going for 23 points while racking up 7 assists.
Gobert and the Timberwolves will continue their stretch of five games in seven days tomorrow against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs in San Antonio.