Image Source: NBA Sports
[Saba Sports News] Rudy Gobert made an unfortunate comment after Tuesday’s loss to the Denver Nuggets. The Minnesota Timberwolves were pushed to the brink of elimination with a 112-97 defeat in Game 5 of their second-round series. Gobert’s defensive performance against Denver star center Nikola Jokic was heavily criticized, as Jokic scored a playoff-high 40 points on 15-for-22 shooting, much of it against Gobert’s one-on-one coverage.
At the post-game press conference, Gobert added to his troubles. Sitting next to teammate Nickeil Alexander-Walker, he asked for the lights in the media room to be dimmed, saying, “Could you lower the light? [Too] bright.” Memes quickly spread, likening Gobert’s request to his lackluster defensive performance in Game 5.
Gobert has a reputation as a strong regular-season player but often struggles in the postseason as teams exploit his limitations in foot speed and agility. Despite winning four Defensive Player of the Year Awards (tied for most all-time), Gobert has never reached the conference finals. That streak may continue if Minnesota, now down 3-2 in the series, loses another game to Denver.
While Game 5 might not have been entirely Gobert’s fault, given Jokic’s offensive brilliance, it’s worth noting that Jokic has historically dominated Gobert in one-on-one matchups.