Draymond Green Chokehold Prompts Insane Idea For Rudy Gobert to Get More “Physical”

The Minnesota Timberwolves became the first Western Conference team to reach 20 wins in the 2023 campaign. They did it against the Miami Heat. Despite a lackluster performance from Rudy Gobert in what has been a mediocre season for him, the Timberwolves showcased their strength through the stellar performances of their young stars. Anthony Edwards took the lead with an impressive 32 points and 8 rebounds, while Karl-Anthony Towns contributed a solid performance with 18 points and 8 rebounds.

However, following a trend seen throughout the season, the Timberwolves started the game slowly. Both halves commenced with the team scoring fewer than 25 points, highlighting a pattern that has been a characteristic of their play.

Rudy Gobert has a solution

Brought in as a leader for the young Wolves squad, Rudy Gobert‘s full potential is yet to be realized by Minnesota. However, when questioned about the team’s recurrent slow starts, Rudy Gobert responded sarcastically, alluding to his recent altercation with Draymond Green. He quipped, “We got to start better, and maybe we got to punch each other before the game or something like that. Just to be ready to be physical.”

Rudy’s comment stems from the incident where Draymond Green placed him in a headlock during a heated altercation between players from the two teams. Following his ejection from the game, Green received a 5-game suspension.

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Rudy Gobert had his hands around Klay Thompson in a non-harmful manner, aiming to defuse the conflict. Both the league and fans deemed Green’s actions unnecessary and unsportsmanlike.

Wolves’ coach credits defense for lackluster starts

When flaunting the best record in the league, there is an assumption that the team must consistently start and finish games in style. However, with the Minnesota Timberwolves, that has proven to be inaccurate. Through much of the season, they have grappled with slow starts. Furthermore, their defensive performance outside their home arena has failed to meet the expected standards.

The trend persisted in the game against the Miami Heat as well. The Wolves found themselves trailing by a 10+ point margin at halftime. Although they mounted a comeback for the win, it was accompanied by intense exchanges at the offensive end late in the game; something that can not entirely be relied upon, especially in a high-stakes environment.

Addressing the issue, head coach Chris Finch attributed the struggle to a lack of defense in the opening quarters, stating, “In the first half, I didn’t really like us. We were soft, we looked confused at things that were simple. Our second-half defense was everything.”

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If the Timberwolves continue this pattern, they risk losing the luxury of boasting the top record. Implementing a strong defense early in the game not only positions them better but also maximizes the potential for success, leveraging the skills of their talented young players.