NBA – Still decisive, Rudy Gobert compared to Donovan Mitchell: “He won!”

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Rudy Gobert et Donovan Mitchell, ancien duo du Jazz
NBA (DR) / The Pivot (DR)

Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif

When they were playing together for the Jazz, Rudy Gobert was presented as the problem holding Donovan Mitchell back on the road to the title. Today, in a very different context, fan opinion seems to have changed radically. The Frenchman finally has their backing.

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For the second time in three seasons with the Timberwolves, Rudy Gobert will play in the Western Conference Finals. Although the roster underwent major changes last summer, with the departure of Karl-Anthony Towns and the arrivals of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, the playoff result is the same. This proves that the Frenchman is a major element in Chris Finch’s system.

While Anthony Edwards provides a degree of offensive continuity, it’s Gobert who keeps the Wolves’ defense at an excellent level. And as the famous American saying goes, “defense wins titles”. That, in any case, is the stated aim of a group that will be able to build on the disillusionment of spring 2024 to turn a corner and reach the Finals.

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Rudy Gobert better than Donovan Mitchell?

This Thursday, after Minnesota’s qualification against the Warriors, some rather teasing Internet users decided to compare the success of the pivot of the French team to the repeated failures of Donovan Mitchell in Cleveland. The one who was presented as the problem when they were together at the Jazz is the one who has succeeded best collectively since his departure.

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Since their time in Utah, Donovan Mitchell has been considered a far better player than Rudy Gobert by many fans and observers alike. But today, it’s clear that one contributes more to his team’s collective success in the playoffs than the other. The Frenchman has received a wave of support thanks to this observation:

@shomyshelmy : Sounds like hall of fame to me. Add silver olympic medal and bronze eurobasket medal with all defesive teams.

@whatkelthinks : ngl rudy might be underrated career wise

@cjsweet567 : Gobert FC won

@ReggieRegg79 : And these dumb ass fans say Rudy ain’t good 😂