Since his days with the Utah Jazz, Rudy Gobert has established himself as one of the NBA’s top defensive players. That feature has carried over well into his stint with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
During the 2023-2024 NBA season, Gobert won the NBA’s Defensive Player of the Year award for the first time as a member of the Timberwolves. He fell out of contention for it during the 2024-2025 NBA season, and recently found out he won’t be a finalist for it in 2025-2026 as well.
Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch thought that it was ridiculous that Gobert wasn’t included in the group of finalists.
Following a second-straight stellar playoff performance against the Denver Nuggets, Gobert was asked if there was added motivation after finding out that he was a snub.
Rudy Gobert Addresses The Defensive Player Of The Year Discussion
GettyDENVER, COLORADO – MAY 04: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets goes to the basket against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter during Game One of the Western Conference Second Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on May 04, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
“No extra juice—I know who I am,” Gobert told reporters. “Not the first time I get disrespected, probably not the last. I can only be myself. If they want to disrespect greatness and take it for granted, whatever. Sooner than later, they’ll recognize the impact.”
via Chris Hine, Star Tribune: Rudy Gobert on not being named a finalist for Defensive Player of the Year: “Not the first time I get disrespected, probably not the last.”
Asked about how he stopped Jokic late. Joked that “I got lucky.”
Asked about how he stopped Jokic late. Joked that “I got lucky.”
A strong playoff performance from Gobert would surely help him make voters regret their decision.
Playing on a first-round stage against the three-time MVP center Nikola Jokic, Gobert has his hands full over the next couple of weeks.
In the first matchup between the Nuggets and the Timberwolves, Jokic’s side found the advantage and picked up the victory. Gobert had a strong defensive performance, but it wasn’t enough to prevent Jokic from producing one of his signature triple-doubles
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MARCH 14: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets leaves the court after being defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers 127-125 in overtime of a game at Crypto.com Arena on March 14, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
In Game 2 on Monday night, Jokic checked in for 40 minutes. He shot 40.0% from the field, scoring 24 points. He also had eight assists.
Through two games, Jokic has turned the ball over eight times. He’s been a plus-10 on the floor so far through the playoffs. Shutting Jokic down is nearly impossible for any center, but Gobert is clearly having a strong series. As a result, he helped the Timberwolves tie the series 1-1 through two matchups.
The series will resume on Thursday, April 23, in Minnesota for the first time.