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Debate

Did Randle's hesitation cost the Timberwolves the game, or was Gobert's reaction the real issue?

“God, it was a bad chemistry,” mentioned ESPN’s Tim MacMahon after the Rudy Gobert-Julius Randle saga. We saw a peculiar incident during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Toronto Raptors. Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle didn’t seem to be on the same page throughout the game. When Gobert found himself open, Randle took time to pass the ball or didn’t.

Hence, it led to confusion in the 5th minute of the 4th quarter when Gobert became visibly frustrated after not receiving the ball from Randle. Backing up on Scottie Barnes, Gobert had an easy way to score. But Randle didn’t give him the ball. In an unreal incident, Gobert caused his team an offensive 3-second violation for staying in the paint for too long. Mind you, the scores were 95-95.

Well, Randle talked to him about the play, and Gobert explained his reasoning. On the other hand, Anthony Edwards spoke to the French center for committing such a silly offense. Well, the 4x Defensive Player of the Year understood the magnitude of the incident and took the blame.

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“Like I told the guys, as someone who really is big on leading by example, my reaction was a bad example,” Gobert admitted per Hoops Rumors. Everyone knew he messed up with the game heading to a nail-biting finish. “I let my emotions, my frustration, get the best of me and that’s not who I am. I was sorry for that and I know these guys know me, know who I am, they know everything I do is for my teammates, everything I do is to win, so when I have one of those moments, we know that it’s just a moment.”

Hence, it became a major topic of discussion, with Randle supporting Gobert and downplaying the incident. “Rudy’s been great. I’ve had no problem with Rudy… He’s been great communicating. I feel like Rudy is a great teammate, and he brings a lot to our team and we need Rudy,” explained Randle after Gobert’s confusing decision.

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Did Randle's hesitation cost the Timberwolves the game, or was Gobert's reaction the real issue?

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He continued, “I feel like Rudy is a great teammate and he brings a lot to our team and we need Rudy. I’ve been to Rudy’s house. There is no beef or any animosity. It’s basketball. Things happen. Name a perfect family.” Well, ESPN’s Tim MacMahon didn’t find the incident funny, as he took to the Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective podcast to discuss.

Famous NBA analysts break down the Rudy Gobert-Julius Randle fiasco

Tim MacMahon, in particular, mentioned how the incident “got addressed publicly until practice on Saturday at Boston.” He detailed how both players took the blame and didn’t make a meal about the incident. Professional players, I must say. Or is it something to keep the fans happy? Is something wrong in the Minnesota Timberwolves locker room?

Windhorst, though stated, “As you mentioned, there was a tie game 5 minutes to go, and after that happened, Gobert, staring down Randle, cost the possession, Ant barking at Gobert in the 11-1 run which basically ended the game.”

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Windhorst also explained how Randle could have had a play call to get Iso during the game. Yet, MacMahon didn’t believe he could even get an excellent shot over Barnes. Defensively, Rudy’s the best to play the game. 4x Defensive Player of the Year explains the success he has in defense. Yet, his offense left a lot to be desired. Yes, he has a solid field goal percentage with a career of 65.5%. However, most of them are open buckets or near the basket.

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He lacks the agility of Hakeem Olajuwon or even Tim Duncan, who moves with incredible grace and power. “Should Randle have thrown the ball? I think you should argue he could have. Now, hey, is Gobert going to catch, turn, and finish over Scottie Barnes? Are you certain of that?” mentioned MacMahon. Gobert’s scoring has come down to 10.9 from 14.0 last season.

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All in all, it became a hilarious moment for the team. The Timberwolves sit 11th with an 8-8 record. They need to step up their game and Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle must join hands to take the team to their promised land.

 

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