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Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert had no answer for LA Lakers’ All-Star Anthony Davis in their matchup tonight. AD overwhelmed Gobert and the Timberwolves defense for 17 fourth-quarter points to lead the visiting Lakers to a 123-111 victory in Minnesota.
After the game, Gobert told the media that he refused to capitalize on an injured Davis in the third quarter and things went sour for the Timberwolves.
Fans who heard or saw the interview couldn’t resist taking shots at the three-time Defensive Player of the Year winner:
"We felt bad so we let the Lakers win" crazy”
The Minnesota Timberwolves took a 10-point lead at halftime against the LA Lakers. Los Angeles made their move two minutes into the third quarter. With the score at 76-70 in favor of the Timberwolves, Anthony Davis suddenly went down on the floor in pain while holding his left foot.
Rudy Gobert could have scored while Davis was writhing in pain under the basket but refused to do so. Here's the French basketball star on that play:
"I had the ball in my hands and I couldve went and dunked it, but AD was laying there. So I was like, that’s too ruthless, I’ll just pass it out. After that it was just turnover after turnover. It was just a tough stretch."
Gobert should have taken that opportunity, particularly in such a very crucial game. Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, Anthony Davis returned to the game and the Lakers eventually took a 79-78 lead via a 24-10 run.
Davis and the Lakers suddenly looked energized with momentum on their side. After the injury scare, LA looked like a completely different team than the one that struggled in the first half.
Anthony Davis finished the night with 38 points, 17 of them in the fourth-quarter against Rudy Gobert as his primary defender. Gobert already had trouble guarding Davis earlier in the game and was completely overwhelmed in the final period.
Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves could still overtake Anthony Davis and the LA Lakers in the standings
The loss to the LA Lakers (39-38) dropped the Minnesota Timberwolves' record to 39-39. However, they're just half a game behind their tormentors tonight. Minnesota also owns the season series 2-1. If they end up with the same record, the Timberwolves get the upperhand.
Both teams are chasing the Golden State Warriors (41-37) for the sixth spot and outright playoff berth. If a top-six finish is beyond their reach, they will take part in the dangerous play-in tournament.
Rudy Gobert's team still have four games remaining in their schedule. They still have to face the Portland Trail Blazers, Brooklyn Nets, San Antonio Spurs and New Orleans Pelicans.
Anthony Davis' Lakers have three road and two home games remaining. They will have to take on the Houston Rockets, Utah Jazz twice, LA Clippers and Phoenix Suns.
On paper, the LA Lakers have the tougher schedule. LA's win over the Minnesota Timberwolves was crucial, but it didn't guarantee them anything.
Guess the Lakers players!
