Rudy Gobert had a bad evening. The French pivot of the Minnesota Timberwolves was sent off for a sixth foul, reported as a technical foul, after making a hand gesture insinuating that the referees were being bribed. His team then led 97-96 with 27 seconds remaining. A fatal mistake for his team, finally beaten in overtime (113-104).
At the press conference, Gobert’s frustration had obviously not subsided. “I’m going to be the bad guy. I’ll take the fine, but I think it (sports betting) hurts our sport. I know it’s becoming more and more important, it shouldn’t be like this,” he said.
“It was an immature reaction. But it’s not just a whistle.”
The Frenchman (7 points, 17 rebounds before his exit) still admitted his mistake: “It cost my team the match. It was an immature reaction. But it’s not just a whistle. Everyone makes mistakes, but when it’s over and over again, of course it’s frustrating. » Micah Nori, assistant coach who assumed the task of number 1 for this match in the absence of Chris Finch, ill, reacted to the incident in a press conference following this defeat: “We have to be smarter . We all know Rudy, there is no one more professional than him, but to do that at this moment of the match… Obviously, he doesn’t take it well. »
Minnesota is however doing well in the West with a solid second place, a reason which will perhaps appease Gobert’s anger. Even if the fine he risks taking will perhaps be hefty, the League being uncompromising on players or coaches attacking referees.
