SUMMARY
- Timberwolves fans applauded Rudy Gobert for his defensive efforts in Game 6.
- The 4x DPOY appreciates how he's being treated by Timberwolves fans.
The sixth game of the Minnesota Timberwolves vs Denver Nuggets series was quite the eye-opener for teams still in the playoffs. The Nuggets have certainly been extremely tough competitors this year, especially with them knowing that their title is on the line. However, the Wolves managed to hold off the Nuggets to a 45-point deficit and they couldn’t even score more than 70 points. And Rudy Gobert certainly deserves a bit of the credit as well.
For starters, the Nuggets lineup besides Nikola Jokic only scored 39 points. The 3x MVP only managed to pitch in 22 points while being blitzed throughout the game. Denver’s bench only had 9 points scored in the match against 36 points scored by the Wolves bench. The Wolves’ defensive effort was a key factor in winning this game to push for a seventh meet at the Ball Arena.
Fans react to Rudy Gobert’s Game 6 performance
With just over 7 minutes left in the fourth quarter, Chris Finch decided to clear his bench and sub in Rudy Gobert. While the 4x Defensive Player of the Year exited the floor, the entire crowd stood on their feet to applaud him. Gobert certainly played a big role in stopping Jokic alongside Karl-Anthony Towns. And fans were happy that Gobert played better than he did over the last three games.
Came back with a statement tonight pic.twitter.com/qqQhcRaNk5
— Travis Naylor (@tsntalkssports) May 17, 2024
we won the war man💙💚
— ريفس (@Ar15Mvp) May 17, 2024
Fans reacted to the standing ovation by saying, “Came back with a statement tonight.” Another fan added, “We won the war man.” Interestingly, Jokic’s squad has only been held to either 80 points or under thrice during his tenure. Two of those games were in this series while the third took place against the Utah Jazz a few years ago while Gobert was still on the roster.
Rudy Gobert seems willing to give Game 7 his 200-percent effort
Rudy Gobert also admitted it was great to win Game 6 after losing three matchups in a row. The French superstar finished with 8 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, and a steal. Gobert acknowledged that Jaden McDaniels has been a big piece of the roster in the playoffs. He also addressed the standing ovation he received when he got subbed out by saying, “It means a lot. Like I said, from last year until now, I feel like this community, this fan base have learned how to embrace me.”
“It’s an amazing opportunity for us … We are going to leave it all on the floor, play as a team and see what happens.”
Rudy Gobert on Minnesota’s mindset after a dominant win over Denver to force a decisive Game 7. #WolvesBack | #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/JTycW4pHgY
— Bally Sports North (@BallySportsNOR) May 17, 2024
“I appreciate the love every time I step on the court I give 200% and I’m going to keep doing that. So, I appreciate it.” Earlier in the playoffs, the combination of KAT and Gobert blitzing the opposition’s best scorers has worked majorly in their advantage. Jokic himself admitted that the Wolves’ decision to double-team him got the best of him.