The Minnesota Timberwolves were nervous, but didn’t expect a challenge. After all, it was the 15th-seed Utah Jazz. But things got wild at the Target Center. The underdogs came swinging. The panic struck harder when the Warriors’ parallely kept pushing the Clippers to keep the 6th seed alive. However, the Wolves hit harder. What followed? A fiery clash. Blood, sweat, and roars. Not just Anthony Edwards—Rudy Gobert and Donte DiVincenzo lit it up. The result was a 116-105 win, and now, they’re playoff-bound.

Speaking of the Playoffs, the Wolves are about to face the LA Lakers in the postseason run. And while Rudy Gobert has already made Luka Doncic emotional in the most endearing odd turn of events, the French big man isn’t stepping down from sending clear messages to the Slovenian Sensation.

The reporters in the Wolves locker room after Sunday’s game got to see a candid Gobert. He seemed exhausted after the grueling final game, yet his heart was ablaze as he set the records straight for the upcoming days.

Rudy Gobert sends a strong message for Luka Doncic ahead of the Playoffs clash

Before diving into the strategic side of matters, Rudy Gobert clarifies the need of the hour. He emphasized the importance of team unity and execution. “We got to all be on the same on the same boat, and I think there’s going to be a lot of different coverages that we’re going to do,” the French star mentioned. For him, it’s all about consistency—sticking to the plan even under pressure, reading situations fast, making smart decisions, and playing clean without fouling.

But with the Lakers’ matchup ahead, they know they have to give their best. Most importantly, he confessed: “We’re going to do our best in LA to do that and just be who we are, man.” Meanwhile, speaking of Luka Doncic, Rudy Gobert said: “He’s a smart player. He’s seen every coverage possible in the world. But, once again, it’s about how we execute it and how, through all the different coverages, we’re still able to rebound.”

Well, Luka has played in the EuroLeague, and he’s now dominating the NBA. Through it all, he’s not just been consistent but also adaptive and lethal in all cases. And just so you know, he’s still the youngest MVP in EuroLeague history. Now, coming back to the NBA, Gobert chipped in 19 points vs. the Jazz on Sunday. He also shared how the Wolves are planning to slow down Luka Doncic and Co.

The 32-year-old French center told the media: “We’re still able to offensively try to take care of the ball. Do all these things that put us in a position to try to slow them down.” Well, it would be interesting to see how Chris Finch’s habit of picking up on familiarities would help the team on the court. Rudy further left the choice in the head coach’s hands. “We’ll see what the coach has in mind,” he said. “No matter what we do, keep our physicality, and keep playing to our strength.”

And while Rudy Gobert is clear with his words for Luka and the Lakers, did he know that he had an emotional impact on the 26-year-old?

Luka Doncic confesses emotional moment involving Rudy Gobert

Luka Doncic hit a stepback 3-pointer over Rudy Gobert with 3.0 seconds remaining, completing the Mavericks’ 18-point comeback in Game 2. The Western Conference Finals had never been this intense. “I was just trying to get to my spot and step back. I’m confident in that shot,” Doncic said at the end of the game. However, looking back at the moment now, the Slovenian guard has nothing but tears in his eyes.

In his homecoming game vs. the Mavericks on April 9, Luka watched a tribute video with bloodshot eyes in the AAC. His game-winning WCF moment was beautifully captured, and that added to his emotions. Speaking to the media at the end of the game, he said: “I’ll probably say that the shot in the finals, and the conference finals — we were always the underdog in every series. So the way we came together and played together, it was just another level. And everybody was locked in.”

Surely, for Rudy Gobert, that particular moment when Doncic took a shot over him would remain a nightmare forever. Nonetheless, everything boiled down to one emotional moment in Luka’s tribute, thus bringing tears to his eyes. After all, he has given so much to Dallas only to be sent away in a trade to the Lakers.

So now, it’s Rudy Gobert vs. Luka Doncic—round two. One’s chasing redemption, the other’s still wiping tears from a moment etched in history. The Playoffs aren’t just about tactics anymore. They’re personal. With emotions running high and stakes even higher, this clash promises more than just basketball. It’s about pride, payback, and proving a point when it matters most.