Did Minnesota Timberwolves Rudy Gobert punch Dallas Mavericks’ Luka Doncic in the stomach?
Given the way in which Game 1 went down, Game 2 was always going to be contentious, but it may be that the Timberwolves’ big man crossed a line.
There’s definitely no love lost between the Dallas Mavericks and Minnesota Timberwolves and that was evident in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals when the T’Wolves French star appeared to take out his frustration on the Mavs’ Slovenian sensation.
Did Rudy Gobert punch Luka Doncic?
That’s certainly how it looked. With the Timberwolves up by 10 in the third quarter and the Mavs’ Luka Doncic seemingly unaware of the memo, it was clear that Minnesota was on the back foot. Indeed, with a 1-0 lead in the series and playing like they were on the hunt for a second win, Doncic and Co. were giving the T’Wolves way more than they could handle.
It was at that point that Doncic pulled down a rebound and proceeded to break. Only, Minnesota’s Rudy Gobert had other ideas. As Dallas’ star made his way up the court, the Frenchman stepped toward him and by all appearances struck him in the stomach. The reaction was immediate from Doncic as was Gobert’s apology and visible embarrassment.
Yet, if we’re honest, we can sympathize with Gobert. Given that Doncic was on 19 points, 7 assists, and 6 rebounds at the time, it’s clear that something had to be done. On the other hand, that’s not to say we’re condoning unsportsmanlike conduct. Nonetheless, it’ll take more than a punch to the stomach to stop Luka Doncic when considering the way he’s been playing during these NBA playoffs.