Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert was sent home by the team after he threw a punch at Kyle Anderson in the second quarter of their clash with the New Orleans Pelicans.
Minnesota entered Sunday’s game with the Pelicans guaranteed a play-in spot, but trailing New Orleans and the Los Angeles Lakers by just a game. It was possible to move up into the valuable seven-eight contest in the NBA Play-In tournament that gives you two cracks at a playoff spot.
The pressure perhaps got to the Timberwolves seen in a second quarter altercation. Gobert and teammate Kyle Anderson were involved in a heated dispute in the middle of a timeout, and as they exchanged stern words, the French star threw a punch at Anderson’s chest.
Gobert - a three-time Defensive Player of the Year - was quickly pushed back by teammates as the rest of the team and coaching staff then separated the two players. Gobert was escorted back to the locker room while the game continued, then eventually told to go home for the day. Anderson, who appeared not to be hurt, remained in the game.
It’s not the first time two teammates have a clashed this season after Draymond Green floored Jordan Poole during Golden State Warriors practice, but it’s not a good look for a playoff contender during the final game of the regular season. After the incident, it was reported Gobert had recently commented on the relationship between the pair.
“Kyle wants to win, and sometimes he's a little aggressive in the way he talks, but I don't take it personally,” Gobert said, per Chris Hine of the ‘Minnesota Star-Tribune’. “I receive it in a positive way because it comes from a place of wanting me to be the best Rudy I can be and wanting us to win.
“I love his competitiveness, love the way he plays the game. The way he makes others around him better. He's been a huge part of this year.”
It grants interesting insight into the dynamic between Gobert and Anderson amid growing tension in Minnesota. The Timberwolves completed a blockbuster trade for the dominant Frenchman last offseason, sending Malik Beasley, Patrick Beverley, Leandro Bolmaro, Walker Kessler, Jarred Vanderbilt and four first-round picks as well as a first-round pick swap.
The team were 41-40 entering the clash against New Orleans - guaranteeing a worse record than the previous season - although they have locked into a Play-In tournament spot. While injuries have derailed their season, the Timberwolves have ultimately struggled with an in cohesive roster.
It's unclear whether Gobert will face further punishment from the team. The Timberwolves will contest their next game will be in the Play-In Tournament.
