The Minnesota Timberwolves finished the season on a high note, as they snatched the 8th seed from the New Orleans Pelicans with a 42-40 season record. The Timberwolves defeated the Pelicans on the final day to guarantee themselves two shots at making the postseason. But the game wasn’t without its drama as a fight broke out during a timeout on the Timberwolves’ bench. Despite apologizing after the incident, Rudy Gobert was vehemently slammed for his statement on the episode.
Three-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert and teammate Kyle Anderson got into an altercation during a timeout that left the NBA world stunned. While the exact reason for the scuffle isn’t known yet, it was an astonishing moment that made all the headlines despite the important scenarios in the West.
Rudy Gobert went one step too far
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With over four minutes left in the second quarter, the New Orleans Pelicans had a sizeable 12-point lead over Minnesota. A timeout was called by the head coach of the Timberwolves to regroup the team and the offense. What occurred during the timeout left everyone flabbergasted.
Kyle Anderson got involved in an argument with Rudy Gobert while on the bench. Things escalated quickly as Gobert lost his cool and ended up punching Anderson, leading his teammates to intervene.
According to a report by Shams Charania, Gobert was sent home by the Timberwolves organization right after the incident took place. The Wolves won the game but at the cost of harming their team’s chemistry.
Timberwolves sent Rudy Gobert home after he threw a punch at Kyle Anderson during a timeout, per @ShamsCharania pic.twitter.com/rvpf4m31O3
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 9, 2023
The seven-foot big man went to Twitter to apologize when cooler heads prevailed. Gobert tweeted, “Emotions got the best of me today. I should not have reacted the way i did regardless of what was said. I wanna apologize to the fans, the organisation and particularly to Kyle, who is someone that i truly love and respect as a teammate.” His apology did not convince fans.
Fans ruthlessly troll Gobert’s apology on Twitter
Rudy Gobert’s public apology has the fanbase infuriated. Fans slammed the 30-year-old ruthlessly as they asked the Timberwolves to suspend the three-time All-Star for at least one game.
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One fan tweeted, “GET READY TO LEARN CHINESE BUDDY”, suggesting Gobert might have to take his talents to the much less lucrative Chinese Basketball Association.
— Yrnchatty6969 (@yrnchatty6969) April 10, 2023
Another fan commented, “The “organisation” Says they would like a refund,” referring to the trade with the Utah Jazz.
the “organisation”
Says they would like a refund
— Jason J Daniel (@JasonJDaniel) April 10, 2023
Another fan even posted an image that read, “Embarrassing.”
— Luka Doncic’s Burner (@HookahDoncic_77) April 10, 2023
Here are a few more reactions from fans on Twitter.
You gonna miss next game for sure. U always causing trouble. Remember the covid germ phone touch shit u pulled ?
— FADDE (@fadde) April 10, 2023
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Respectfully, you should take time away from the team, for at least 1 game. This would make it up to us. Sincerely The Biggest Timberwolves Fan Ever!
— cabrillo24 (@cabrillo24) April 10, 2023
Rudy in China next year pic.twitter.com/bfchF6Elmw
— PAIN (@Xommanders) April 10, 2023
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Many fans in the comments section asked Gobert to sit out the last game of the season. Let’s see if the Timberwolves organization fines the French star.