Minnesota enters tonight’s game fresh off a thrilling 104-103 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Edwards was the undisputed hero of that night, burying a cold-blooded game-winner to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. The face of the franchise led all scorers with 23 points, adding two rebounds and three assists to his tally.

While head coach Chris Finch is eager to capitalize on that momentum, the Wolves face a significant uphill battle tonight. Anthony Edwards is officially sidelined due to right foot injury maintenance, according to the latest NBA injury report.

However, the Ant-Man isn’t the only major absence for Minnesota. Four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert will also be unavailable as he serves a one-game league suspension. The ban was triggered after Gobert reached the threshold of six flagrant fouls for the season during the win over San Antonio.

Tonight’s showdown in Milwaukee serves as a test for a Minnesota squad that has been on a tear, winning six of its last eight games. With two perennial All-Stars out of the rotation, the spotlight shifts to the Timberwolves’ bench. It is a next man up situation where the team’s depth and role players must step into the void to keep the streak alive.

Rudy Gobert on flagrant foul against Spurs

With 7:35 remaining in the fourth quarter and the Spurs holding an 87-81 lead, Victor Wembanyama pulled up from beyond the arc as Rudy Gobert charged in to contest the shot. However, the Timberwolves center failed to provide the San Antonio big man with a safe landing spot, sending Wembanyama to the floor. Officials whistled the play for a foul and, upon review, upgraded it to a Flagrant 1.

The penalty marks Gobert’s sixth flagrant foul of the season, triggering an automatic one-game suspension. “It’s tough, because I try to be aggressive contesting shots in the heat of the moment,” Gobert said during a post-game press conference. “I don’t think there’s, at any time, any intention of getting anybody hurt or putting people in dangerous situations”.

The Frenchman followed up with a critique of the officiating, arguing for more consistency in how flagrant fouls are called across the league—especially when he is the one taking the hit. “As long as they keep calling flagrants when I get hit in the back of the head, which happens every night, I’m cool with it. Protecting the players I think is important, but let’s protect all the players,” he added.

“When I wake up and I get to play Jokic, I am always grateful that I get to try to stop one of the best players in the world… The way his brain works, the way he is able to adapt to situations, and most of the time make the right play, and doing it while tired, doing it while playing a lot of minutes. I think that’s what makes him unique.” Rudy Gobert said, via The Young Man & The Three podcast.

Nikola Jokic stands out as one of the most dominant forces in today’s NBA, etching his name among the greats. The Denver Nuggets star showcases a blend of physical prowess and technical skill akin to legends like Shaquille O’Neal and Bill Russell. His remarkable talent marks him as a once-in-a-generation player, solidifying his status as one of the most complete players in the league history.

Although Jokic is not the most athletic center in NBA history, the Serbian star dazzled in the 2024-25 season with his remarkable all-around play. In 70 games, he averaged a triple-double average, with 29.7 points, 12.7 rebounds, and 10.2 assists. Even with challenges like the firing of head coach Michael Malone and a lack of bench depth, Nikola led the Denver Nuggets to the Western Conference semifinals, underscoring his crucial impact on the team’s success.

Denver Nuggets go all-in to secure Nikola Jokic and build a championship team

After a disappointing finish in the championship race, the Denver Nuggets are shaking up their roster with strategic additions. They have bolstered their lineup by bringing in Jonas Valanciunas, Cam Johnson, Tim Hardaway Jr., Tamar Bates, and Spencer Jones to support Nikola Jokic. These changes not only enhance head coach David Adelman’s starting five but also deepen the bench, elevating the team’s competitiveness and positioning them as strong contenders in the league.

This roster revamp is driven by more than just a title chase; it’s also a bid to inspire and secure Nikola Jokic’s future with the team. Jokic’s contract, as reported by Spotrac, runs through 2028. By maximizing their star player’s prime years and showcasing a commitment to championship aspirations.

“Rudy is who he is…If Ben Wallace got into the Hall of Fame, Rudy is going to the Hall of Fame. I know Ben Wallace has a ring, but if you match them up side by side, when we are talking about accolades, both are four-time Defensive Player of the Year, that’s a huge f*****g impact. Rudy just got to get over that hump,” Kendrick Perkins said, via Road Trippin’ podcast.

Rudy often faces criticism for not being a physically dominant big man like legends such as Shaquille O’Neal, Tim Duncan, or Joel Embiid. However, while his style of play differs, he remains a transformative force for the Minnesota Timberwolves. Demonstrating his defensive prowess, he earned the NBA Defensive Player of the Year award in 2024, solidifying his status as one of the league’s premier defenders.

Former NBA player Richard Jefferson also fires back at Shaq over criticism of Rudy Gobert

Not only did Kendrick Perkins, but also Richard Jefferson, who weighed in on Shaquille O’Neal’s harsh critique of Rudy Gobert. On the Road Trippin’ podcast, he shared his thoughts, saying, “Yo, Shaq’s going to wear a dress to a ceremony? That is awesome… Rudy Gobert is going to be a Hall of Famer. There is a 99.8 percent chance he is going to be a Hall of Famer based off of his Defensive Player of the years. Like there are people that have less than have gotten it.”

At just 33, Rudy Gobert has some years left in his NBA career. He is committed to chasing the ever-elusive championship and continuing to add defensive accolades to his legacy. Though not Shaq’s favorite, the French star consistently proves his worth on the court. As a vital part of the Minnesota Timberwolves, he plays a pivotal role in complementing a team led by Anthony Edwards.

Rudy Gobert made offseason decision to boost impact with the Timberwolves

Rudy Gobert has consistently served as a defensive stalwart for the Minnesota Timberwolves. However, he is coming off a challenging scoring season, registering his lowest average in eight years. Over 72 games, he managed just 12 points per game—a statistic that, while not alarming, underscores room for growth. Determined to enhance his offensive contribution, he has committed to making strategic changes this off-season.

After opting out of EuroBasket 2025, Rudy has partnered with Chris Matthews, one of the premier scoring coaches globally. Matthews announced on X, formerly Twitter, that the Timberwolves star intends to refine his footwork and enhance his offensive reading. Though the results will emerge in the 2025-26 season, this decision highlights his commitment to the team’s pursuit of a championship alongside young talent Anthony Edwards.

“I f*****g hate Rudy Gobert. That m******r makes $250 million [as per Spotrac $109.5 million] and he doesn’t deserve it… As the President of the ‘Big Man Alliance,’ if you’re making big money, play like a big man. If Rudy Gobert gets into the Hall of Fame, I’ll wear this dress to the m******r ceremony,” Shaq O’Neal said, via The Big Podcast.

The NBA legend Shaq has not kept quiet about his disdain for the current trend among modern big men. He has voiced his concerns about the lack of aggressiveness and trash talk that defined previous generations. Also, O’Neal argues that the emphasis on three-point shooting over traditional post-up play is detrimental to players in this position.

Rudy Gobert is breaking the mold of modern big men — and still dominating the NBA

While Shaquille O’Neal may not be Rudy Gobert’s biggest admirer, the Timberwolves star remains one of the most impactful defenders in the NBA. His influence extends beyond his tenure with the Utah Jazz to his current role with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Unlike the physically imposing styles of Shaq or Joel Embiid, Gobert excels through his positional awareness and rim protection.

Despite his formidable defensive prowess, Rudy Gobert has yet to secure an NBA championship. His absence of overwhelming physical dominance and lack of titles may ultimately prevent him from achieving a legacy comparable to O’Neal’s. Nevertheless, it seems unfair to compare anyone to Shaq, who redefined the game by setting new standards of dominance.

Rudy Gobert’s golden shot at winning an NBA title could finally come with the Timberwolves

While Rudy has yet to seize an NBA championship, his golden opportunity may be on the horizon with the Minnesota Timberwolves. Head coach Chris Finch skillfully balances a blend of seasoned veterans and promising young talent. With Anthony Edwards leading the charge as the face of the franchise, the Timberwolves have maintained their postseason relevance, achieving back-to-back appearances in the Conference Finals.

After coming close to the NBA Finals in two consecutive seasons, the franchise decided to emphasize continuity by re-signing pivotal players like Naz Reid and Julius Randle. By preserving their roster, they aim to secure an NBA championship in the near future. This strategy could be a turning point for Rudy Gobert, potentially dispelling a long-standing stigma that has followed him throughout his career.

A few months ago, during an appearance on GOAT Talk, Shaq was asked who he thought was the worst player in the NBA, and he didn’t hesitate: “Rudy Gobert.” He immediately followed up by calling out a player from the Brooklyn Nets. “Ben Simmons is another bum,” he said.

“You know why? I’m going to tell you why. If you sign a contract for 250, show me 250,” O’Neal explained. “There’s a reason why I walk funny, why I can’t turn my neck, and why I can’t do certain things—’cause I played for my 120.”

And about Gobert and Simmons, he added: “You got guys that (expletive) the system over there making all this money and they can’t (expletive) play. So, I don’t respect guys like that. Every time I make these comments people think I’m hating, but these are facts.”

Shaq O’Neal now praises Rudy Gobert

In the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 103–96 win over the Los Angeles Lakers on Wednesday night, Rudy Gobert was a key factor, putting up 27 points and 24 rebounds in 39 minutes on the floor. The dominant performance even earned praise from O’Neal, one of his harshest critics.

“I never thought I would say these words that are about to come out of my mouth. But Rudy Gobert is dominating,” Shaq said on TNT Sports, while pretending to gag, drawing laughs from his co-hosts.

“You’re 7’4”, you’re being aggressive — and now look: he’s scoring,” analyzed the Lakers legend. “So now he’s running the floor, and he’s like, ‘Ah, I’m involved. Give it back to me.’ He’s throwing it down for the two-hand dunk. And I hate to say it, Ernie, Kenny, Chuck… Rudy Gobert is dominating.”

Gobert highlights importance of win over Lakers

Interviewed after the game at Crypto.com Arena by TNT Sports, Rudy Gobert emphasized the significance of Minnesota’s victory. “This win feels great. You know, we had a season with a lot of ups and downs, and to come here and play the way we did tonight means a lot,” said the French center.

“I think we just have a bunch of guys that want to win,” Gobert said of the Timberwolves’ mindset. “We understand that one night it might be Naz (Reid), one night it might be me, Julius (Randle) — but we just want to win. All the things we went through throughout the season just prepared us for this moment.”

“I think the work that we put into the game is really impacting them,” Gobert said about Minnesota’s strategy to face the Lakers. “Our goal is to wear them down—doing it over and over and over—and stay poised where we are, and then the game takes care of itself.”

On the importance of the Timberwolves’ home win that put them back in front in the series, Rudy acknowledged: “Means a lot. You know, it’s a big game… Being able to sustain the series and keep out poise, and I think we did a great job in closing out the last few minutes.”

Gobert contributed just one point, one assist, and three rebounds in the 25 minutes he spent on the court, focusing most of his efforts on defense. When asked about his role in the game, the French center was honest. “There’s a lot of ways to impact a basketball game and I try to set the tone for the team on both ends,” he said. “Obviously try to be in the right spot for my teammates to find me. I feel like we, overall, did a good job.”

The importance of Anthony Edwards, according to Gobert

One of the keys to Minnesota’s victory was the performance of Anthony Edwards. The guard contributed 29 points (second-best on the team behind Jaden McDaniels’ 30), 8 rebounds, and 8 assists. He also played a decisive role in the closing stretch of the game, sealing the win.

“I thought Ant was pretty good making the right play in the last three minutes of the game,” Gobert said. “It was incredible, you know. His leadership, watching him, his understanding of the game, how he’s growing, how he’s learning, it’s cool to see.”

Gobert highlights LeBron James’ performance

Despite the Lakers’ loss, LeBron was the game’s standout player. With Luka Doncic dealing with physical issues ahead of the matchup, James took full responsibility for leading his team and delivered 38 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists.

Rudy Gobert reflected on the NBA icon’s performance and didn’t hold back his praise. “He carried them tonight, you know,” said the Minnesota center. “Obviously he knew the importance of the game and he really put the team on his back from the beginning to the end.”

On a recent episode of his show KG Certified, Garnett didn’t mince words when discussing the Timberwolves’ decision to part ways with their franchise player.

“We just swept that whole Minnesota thing under the rug,” Garnett said. “You’re supposed to trade Rudy Gobert, keep KAT, and go on. You took a step back. You didn’t wanna pay the man? What are we doing?”

The Timberwolves reportedly sought to deepen their roster and add shooting to their bench with the Towns trade. However, early results suggest a loss of chemistry in the starting lineup—a factor that’s becoming increasingly evident on the court.

Anthony Edwards calls out team

The Timberwolves’ struggles continued with a 115-104 loss to the Sacramento Kings, their fourth consecutive defeat. After the game, star guard Anthony Edwards didn’t hold back, calling out the team for its lack of toughness.

“I think we were soft as hell as a team, internally,” Edwards said. “Not to the other team, but internally, we were soft. We can’t talk to each other. Just a bunch of little kids.”

Edwards also criticized the Timberwolves’ lack of defensive identity, a trait the team had hoped to build on this season. “We’ve been trying to figure this out all year,” he continued. “We thought our defense would be our identity, but it’s not looking like that at all. Right now, our identity is soft. I was talking to Mike about that last time.”

What’s next for the Timberwolves?

Minnesota have an opportunity to end its losing streak tonight when they host the Los Angeles Clippers in the NBA Emirates Cup. Following that, they face a challenging stretch, including a matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers on December 2 and a rematch with the Clippers on Thursday the 5th.

Edwards’ standout performance against the Bulls marked a significant milestone in his young career. He became the 15th player aged 23 or younger to score 30 points in 69 games, tying the legendary Michael Jordan.

Although the Timberwolves’ start to the season has been less than perfect, the team has the potential to be a serious contender in the Western Conference. With Anthony Edwards leading the charge, Minnesota has set high expectations for the season ahead.

“We’ve been working,” Rudy Gobert said, via Timberwolves Clips, “Every year, [Ant’s] playmaking has gotten better, and this is the year where I feel like he’s really seeing what’s happening on the floor… whether it’s the bounce pass or the lob, he’s able to make those passes.”

Edwards: A rising talent with big aspirations

Edwards is not just focused on personal success; he has collective ambitions for the team. “I don’t want to be a team that’s like been to the playoffs a couple times and then don’t go back,” Edwards said, via Ryan Eichten for SB Nation. “Or been to the WCF and don’t go back. I don’t want to be that guy that had a moment.”

However, the young star acknowledges there is still room for improvement, particularly on the defensive end. “I don’t know if we’d be tight or cold or what it is. Because I have no excuse. I don’t know why I don’t play defense early in the game. But I’m a part of it too. We all just got to be better,” Edwards admitted.

The future of the Timberwolves

With the departure of Karl-Anthony Towns, the Timberwolves have signaled their confidence in Anthony Edwards as the team’s leader. His ability to score and create opportunities for teammates makes him a key figure not only for Minnesota but also in the broader NBA landscape. As Edwards continues to grow, both individually and collectively, the Timberwolves’ aspirations for a deep playoff run remain alive in a highly competitive league.

The game sparked a wide range of reactions on social media, with many fans suggesting that Davis had outplayed Gobert and asserted his dominance. However, the French center remained unfazed. In an interview with The Athletic, Gobert addressed the criticism: “People love to discredit those awards… This is not something that I’ve (earned) over one game. It’s something that happens over the course of the season,” he explained.

Rudy went on to emphasize his ambition, revealing a bold target for his career: “My goal is to be the best defender ever.” While this may seem like an ambitious target for most players, Gobert’s statistics provide solid backing for his claim.

Gobert’s defensive legacy

Gobert stands among the NBA’s all-time great defenders. He is one of just three players in league history to win the Defensive Player of the Year award four times—three with the Utah Jazz (2018, 2019, 2021) and one with the Timberwolves (this year).

He joins Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace in this elite group, but as the only active player among them, Gobert has a chance to further solidify his place in history. With another strong defensive season, Gobert could become the sole player with five DPOY awards, reinforcing his claim as the best defender of all time.

How the Defensive Player of the Year is chosen

Since the 1982-83 NBA season, the Defensive Player of the Year has been determined by a panel of 124 media members from the U.S. and Canada. Voters rank their top three choices, assigning five, three, and one point, respectively, to their selections. The player with the most points at the end of voting wins the award for that season.

Gobert’s team ambitions

Despite his individual accolades, Rudy Gobert has yet to secure an NBA title since entering the league in 2013. “Now my only focus is to win a championship and to keep impacting my team, keep trying to make my team the top defense in this league,” Gobert said in the interview. “I think that’s the best measure of an all-time defender.”

For Gobert, helping the Timberwolves reach the pinnacle of the NBA and securing their first-ever championship would not only be a personal triumph but also a significant step toward achieving his ultimate defensive legacy.

In an interview with SportsKeeda, Gobert urged critics to take a closer look at the data. “Just look at the numbers,” Gobert said. “Media manipulation and perception is one thing. But look who is in the top five with guarding on switches last year or in isos. Look at the numbers. Numbers don’t lie.”

Gobert, who played a pivotal role in Minnesota’s run to the Western Conference Finals last season, added, “I try to be focused on the moment and focus on what I can do to help this team achieve our goal as a leader and as a player.”

Heading into this season, the Timberwolves will be without Karl-Anthony Towns, a key piece in their defense alongside Gobert. Despite the loss, Gobert is confident that the team’s defensive identity remains intact. “I think our identity stays the same. We’re a defensive team,” he said. “We want to be the best defensive team in this league.”

Rudy Gobert vs. Shaq controversy

Recently, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert became the latest target of Shaquille O’Neal’s biting comments, and the French big man has responded his harsh criticisms.

In an interview with Complex, Shaq didn’t hold back when asked who he believed was one of the worst players in the league, specifically taking aim at Gobert and Ben Simmons.

“If you sign a contract for $250 million, show me $250 million,” Shaq said, adding, “There’s a reason why I walk funny, why I can’t turn my neck, and why I’m in pain. I played for about $120 million. Guys like [Gobert] are messing up the system. They’re making all this money and can’t f— play.”

In response, Gobert took the high road, addressing Shaq’s remarks on social media. “It’s sad to see someone who has accomplished as much as you did, @SHAQ, in both sports and business, still be triggered by another man’s finances and accomplishments,” Gobert wrote. “I get the entertainment part, but unlike others, you don’t need that to stay relevant.”

On a recent episode of his podcast, The Big Podcast, Shaq addressed the situation, explaining that it’s not a personal vendetta against Gobert, but rather his frustration with how much money today’s players make compared to legends of the game.

“When I made the comments about Rudy Gobert, people think it’s personal,” O’Neal said. “But yeah, it’s personal for guys like David Robinson, who only made $116 million in his career. Fabulous player, Hall of Famer. Kareem? The most he ever made was $3 million. Patrick Ewing? $112 million. Bill Russell? $100,000. Just play hard. You’re making $250 million. That’s all I’m saying.”

He continued, adding that while it may seem harsh, his intention is to motivate Gobert. “For example, with Rudy Gobert, y’all think it’s personal,” Shaq said. “I’m just trying to pump him up. But from the way he responds, I can tell there’s some truth in what I’m saying.”

Shaq predicts rough start for Lakers

During an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on ESPN, Shaq weighed in on how he thinks the Lakers will perform under the guidance of their new head coach, J.J. Redick. O’Neal didn’t sugarcoat his feelings, expressing concerns about Redick’s lack of coaching experience.

“I think they’re going to have a rough start, personally,” Shaq stated. “LeBron and AD will do a great job keeping everyone in check, but I’ve always said, if you truly respect your coach, you’ll go out and play hard for them.”

Shaq also reflected on his own career, highlighting the value of experienced coaches like Phil Jackson and Pat Riley. “I was fortunate to play for guys like Phil Jackson and Pat Riley—coaches who knew what they were doing,” he said. “No disrespect to other coaches, but there were times I’d think, ‘I don’t know if that’s going to work.'”

As for the Lakers, Shaq questioned whether the players will buy into Redick’s system right away. “When you get a coach like that, the antenna is already up. My question is: Will the players’ antennas be up when J.J. Redick talks? We don’t know yet, but we’ll see.”