Why isn’t Rudy Gobert playing for the Timberwolves against the Nuggets in game 2?

Fans were caught by surprise when Rudy Gobert was listed late as a no-show for the Minnesota Timberwolves game against the Denver Nuggets, but it isn’t what you might expect.

Gobert, the backbone of the Timberwolves defense will miss the game for “personal reasons” to attend the birth of his child. He will be replaced in the lineup by Jamal Murray.

Gobert’s girlfriend Julia Bonilla delivered a baby boy on Monday morning, the couple’s first child.

“Coach Finch and every guy in this locker room, that’s what I love about them, we have a level of human connection and empathy for one another that I think is really good. And I think all the guys will be literally telling me, ‘Don’t play, go.’”