After Bucks Star’s Support, Rudy Gobert Gains New ‘Apologist’, Points to Edwards and Towns for Timberwolves’ Failure

Rudy Gobert, a record four-time DPOY has been under extreme scrutiny for his shortfalls in the series against the Dallas Mavericks. It started after Luka Doncic hit a game-winning three in Game 3 against the French center. Kendrick Perkins and other experts labeled him as a ‘fraud’ defender. The criticism was merciless. Gobert was blamed for the Timberwolves’ 3-0 deficit. However, Richard Jefferson appears to sympathize with the reigning DPOY, instead blaming Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns.

When previewing the Game 5 battle between the Timberwolves and Mavericks, Jefferson came to the rescue of Rudy Gobert. He didn’t think the rim protector deserved the slander coming his way. The 2016 NBA champion pointed out how the Wolves lost the moment they put just one defender against Doncic, a supremely talented isolation scorer. Moreover, the NBA analyst felt Gobert was under tremendous pressure defensively due to Anthony Edwards and Towns’ shooting woes.

“I was a Rudy apologist the prior few games because I was like wait a second, Ant and Kat are shooting historically low and we’re over here talking about Rudy. And I get why there is a conversation about Rudy but the slices of the pie, if they were doing their job, there would be less pressure on him to do his job which he is doing okay at”, said Jefferson when speaking to his co-host.

Jefferson wasn’t the first to protect Gobert from the public hate. Milwaukee Bucks center Bobby Portis voiced his support for the fellow big man. “He gets so much hate. He can’t do no right,” said the Milwaukee fan favorite. when appearing on Run It Back. Portis felt Gobert was subject to an unjust amount of criticism because of his title as the DPOY.

Edwards, who cemented himself as one of the brightest talents after defeating Denver seemed exhausted. Before Game 4, his shooting numbers were atrocious. The 22-year-old was far from the ferocious and savvy scorer he has shown to be in the playoffs. On the other hand, Karl-Anthony Towns seemed to forget how to use his most lethal weapon, only hitting 14% from three.

The star duo’s struggles ultimately began affecting the Timberwolves much more than Gobert’s defensive shortcomings hurt them. When the star players aren’t finding success, it eats away at the high energy and passion the Timberwolves generally play with. Gobert is the victim of the same. Without the heads of the offense functioning, the defensive anchor can only do so much.

However, since Game 4, the spirits and atmosphere within the Wolves have uplifted.

The Timberwolves won’t go away without a fight

For an innocent bystander, a Game 4 win to reduce the deficit to 3-1 doesn’t mean much. There hasn’t been a single team who have successfully conquered the 3 game slope in NBA history. However, it was more than just a win for the Timberwolves. They saw it as a ray of hope. It provided them with a spark that seemed to have revived their confidence.

After the win, Anthony Edwards, the franchise ace was as lively as ever. He even predicted the Timberwolves would return for Game 6. It’s not just him. Other players have the same optimism and belief within the group. Naz Reid and Mike Conley even said if there was any team to win four straight from the dire position, it was going to be them.

Well, Game 4 is what made the pipedream seem closer to reality than many perceive. It saw the reemergence of both Edwards and Towns who combined for 53 points in the five-point victory. Before Game 4, the Wolves had failed to defend their leads in every single game. As soon as Ant and Towns began making shots, it made the Wolves more vigilant and purposeful.

Now back in their home brimming with assurance, Edwards and Co are ready to brawl. Facing them is the backcourt of Doncic and KAI, who are looking to close out the series as soon as possible. The longer it goes, the more vigor develops within the Timberwolves. With a chance to stretch the series to 6, do you think Anthony Edwards will answer the call again?