NBA
Why was the Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert fined by the NBA? Could he be suspended?
The French center has been sanctioned for the second time this year following an incident against the Denver Nuggets in the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has become the latest NBA star, after the Denver Nuggets’ Jamal Murray, to be fined for his actions in the 2024 Playoffs.
How much has Gobert been fined?
The league has decided to sanction the four-time Defensive Player of the Year to the tune of $75,000 for making a money gesture at a referee in Game 4 of the Conference semifinal between the Timberwolves and the Nuggets on Sunday, which Denver won to level the series at 2-2.
After a call went against him, Gobert was caught on camera rubbing his fingers together, a gesture he was already punished for earlier in the season. The Frenchman was fined $100,000 following an overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers in March, with Scott Foster the official in question on both occasions.
According to the NBA, the 31-year-old was sanctioned for “making an inappropriate and unprofessional gesture that questions the integrity of the league and its game officials”.
Will Gobert miss any games in the 2024 NBA Playoffs?
Although Gobert will be hit in the pocket, there appears to be no danger of him being suspended for any games, much to the Timberwolves’ relief.
After winning the first two games of the series against the Nuggets, Denver have swung the momentum in their favour with back-to-back victories. Both teams need two more wins to progress to the Western Conference Final against either the Oklahoma City Thunder or the Dallas Mavericks.
Game 5 will take place on Tuesday 14 May (tip-off at 10:30 p.m. ET), with Game 6 set for Thursday 16 May (8:30 p.m. ET) and a possible decider slated for Sunday 19 May (time to be confirmed).