Why isn’t Rudy Gobert playing in Game 2? The Timberwolves center was ruled out late

On May 7, 2024By Vaseline

When the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off a thrilling Game 1 upset against the Nuggets in Denver, Anthony Edwards deservedly made all the headlines. But he got help from Minnesota’s two big men. Karl-Anthony Towns had 20 points while Rudy Gobert was dominant on the glass with 13 points. He also had three blocks.

If the Timberwolves want to stun the Nuggets again in Game 2, they will have to do it without Gobert.

About 90 minutes before tipoff, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch confirmed that Gobert would miss the game for personal reasons.

Gobert’s girlfriend gave birth to his first child on Monday morning. According to Dane Moore, there was optimism that he could make it to Denver in time to play, but the weather prevented that from happening.

Finch said the timing of his circumstances and the weather outside of Denver kept Rudy Gobert from returning to the city for Game 2.

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) May 7, 2024

The Timberwolves can’t say they’re unlucky as they’ve already won Game 1 in Denver, but lately they’ve been hit by a series of unfortunate events.

Finch tore his patellar tendon when the Timberwolves swept the Suns and had to undergo surgery. He sat in the second row for Game 1, while assistant coach Micah Nori took his place on the sideline.

The birth of Gobert’s child on Monday didn’t necessarily keep him from suiting up for Game 2, but the bad weather played a role.

It’s up to Edwards to produce a little more magic to give the Timberwolves an even bigger advantage over the reigning NBA champions.