(Los Angeles) The Minnesota Timberwolves suspended Rudy Gobert one game for punching a teammate in the chest, which rules him out of the playoff game against the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, the franchise announced Monday.
“The Minnesota Timberwolves announced today that center Rudy Gobert has been suspended for one game following the incident that occurred yesterday (Sunday)” in the game against the Pelicans, by Wolves (113-108), have- they announced in a succinct statement.
“Gobert will serve his suspension in tomorrow’s (Tuesday) game against the Los Angeles Lakers,” the winner of which will advance to the playoffs, they confirm.
During a timeout near halftime, with Minnesota trailing 48-36, video showed the start of a sideline verbal altercation between Rudy Gobert and Kyle Anderson.
According to sports channel ESPN, the two players exchanged reproaches: Anderson asked Gobert to block more, which retorted him to take a rebound. An insult from the American winger then flared, followed by the punch delivered by the Frenchman against him. According to The Athletic, the altercation continued in the locker room at halftime.
The French pivot then apologized, “Emotions got the better of me today. I shouldn’t have reacted the way I did, regardless of what was said. I want to apologize to the supporters, the organization and especially Kyle,” the France international tweeted.
Insufficient, however, for his franchise, which will play a game or two following his season in the NBA. It is now official that Gobert will not play the first game ax, against the Lakers on Tuesday.
But in the event of a loss, Minnesota would still have a chance to qualify three days later against the winner of the match between New Orleans and Oklahoma. And Gobert could then rejoin the team.
