NBA – After the demonstration, Rudy Gobert unveils the Timberwolves’ big change!

Publié le
Deux Nuits Avec (DR)

Par Guillaume Kagni | Journaliste sportif

Rudy Gobert wasn’t exceptional in Game 3 between his Timberwolves and the Thunder if you just look at the score sheet. But his impact isn’t always quantifiable, especially defensively. After the win, he spoke out about the big change made by Minnesota.

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Trailing 2-0, the Timberwolves had no choice but to win on Saturday, and they did so in style. Thanks to the Anthony Edwards/Julius Randle duo, who combined for 54 points, 13 rebounds and 9 assists. And they weren’t the only ones to pull out all the stops, as Naz Reid also rediscovered his outside skills.

Young Terrence Shannon Jr. also got his chance, and contributed to his team’s big win with 15 points in 13 minutes. Oklahoma City won’t always be in such poor form, but this 42-point win is proof that Minnesota has what it takes to compete for a place in the Finals. The suspense is back.

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Rudy Gobert analyses the Wolves’ victory

Rudy Gobert may not have exploded statistically, but he was once again decisive defensively. It’s no coincidence that none of the Thunder’s interior players shot above 50%. It’s no coincidence either that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who likes to play close to the rim, made just 4 baskets. Interviewed on the court after the final buzzer, Gobert made his feelings clear.

We changed our approach to the game and our level of intensity. We set the pace tonight. It was a team effort tonight to slow down Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. We wanted to make a physical impact, we wanted to stick together, and I think we did a good job of maintaining those principles throughout the game. We know who we are.

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The Timberwolves knew that being down 3-0 would mean saying goodbye to their NBA Finals dreams. Rudy Gobert and his partners therefore focused on intensity from the outset to suffocate OKC and make things easy for themselves. They were helped in no small measure by a boiling-hot home crowd, who will have a role to play right to the end of this epic.