NBA
Rudy Gobert mocked for ‘baby’ excuse keeping him out of Nuggets game
Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas suggests that the French center should be available to play in all Timberwolves games, no matter what.
The Minnesota Timberwolves capitalized on two victories against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinal series, and they did so without one of their top defensive players. Center Rudy Gobert was not part of the Minnesota team for the second game due to personal reasons related to the birth of his first child. However, the absence seemed like a simple pretext to a former NBA player.
Birth of son keeps Gobert out for Timberwolves
Gilbert Arenas, former player for the Washington Wizards, expressed frustration over Gobert’s absence for Game 2 of the series and stated before the game on his podcast “Gil’s Arena” that the baby would ignore him because he would be asleep. Additionally, he pointed out that if his partner has good medical insurance, it’s thanks to his career in the NBA.
“It’s a baby, brother. It will be there when you get back... Whatever you think you’re about to do with the baby, he gonna be asleep,” Arenas said. “Look, I get you want to be with your wife and smile and all that stuff, [but] your good NBA healthcare insurance is because you playing.”
During the sweep against the Phoenix Suns in the first round, the French center played an average of 35 minutes per game and averaged 15 points, 11 rebounds, 1.5 assists, 1.3 steals, and 0.8 blocks. Additionally, in the first game against the Nuggets, Gobert recorded six points, 13 rebounds, three blocks, and three assists.
When is Timberwolves - Nuggets Game 3?
The third game of the series between Minnesota and Denver is scheduled for Friday 10 May, after the first two were contested at the Ball Arena. Tip-off at the Target Center is set for 9:30 p.m. ET / 6:30 p.m. PT. The game will be nationally broadcasted on ESPN.