Rudy Gobert, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ towering 4x Defensive Player of the Year (DPOY), found himself frustrated after Coach Chris Finch made a surprising decision during the Timberwolves’ recent nail-biting loss to the Miami Heat. The Timberwolves had a one-point lead in the final seconds of the game, but Gobert wasn’t on the floor to provide crucial defense. Here’s a closer look at the situation and the frustrations that followed.
Coach Finch’s Surprising Decision to Bench Rudy Gobert
With just 9 seconds left in the game, the Timberwolves were up by two, and the Miami Heat had the ball. The situation seemed ideal for Gobert’s defensive skills to shine. However, Coach Finch opted to bench Gobert for the final defensive possession, a decision that many fans and analysts questioned.
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Nikola Jovic, guarding the paint for Miami, drove to the basket, drew a foul, and completed a three-point play that gave the Heat a one-point lead. It was a moment where most would have expected Gobert, known for his elite shot-blocking and rebounding abilities, to be present. After the Timberwolves’ 94-95 loss, Gobert expressed his frustration with the decision.
Rudy Gobert Reacts to Finch’s Strategy
Following the game, Gobert sat down in the locker room with a disappointed look, as reporters circled around him to ask about Finch’s decision. One reporter asked if he was surprised by the choice to bench him during the critical moment. Gobert didn’t hold back, saying, “For sure. For sure. I mean, I’m pretty good on that end of the floor. I live for those moments. That’s what I do best. I was frustrated for sure, but decisions.”
Despite the frustration, Gobert showed a level of maturity and respect for his coach’s decision, adding, “Everyone remembers the last play but I think we as a team we remember the last few minutes… none of us is perfect, man.” This balanced response showed that while Gobert was disappointed, he also understood that the team’s performance in the final minutes as a whole played a role in the loss.
Did Rudy Gobert’s Past Mistakes Play Into Finch’s Decision?
It’s no secret that Gobert has faced criticism in recent months for his performance in crunch-time situations. Although he’s been one of the NBA’s most decorated defenders, his struggles against elite players, particularly in high-pressure moments, have been notable.
During the 2024 postseason, Gobert had a tough series against Nikola Jokić. Despite his fourth DPOY award, he struggled to defend the reigning MVP. Jokić frequently used Gobert’s defensive positioning against him, pulling off effective moves to get easy baskets near the rim. This history of struggles in pivotal moments may have weighed on Coach Finch’s mind when making the final call against the Heat.
Moreover, Gobert was also benched during key stretches of the Paris Olympics by the French coach, which raised questions about his reliability in critical moments. Finch’s decision against Miami could have been influenced by these past experiences, leading him to prioritize a different strategy in crunch time.
The Playoff Blunder That Haunts Rudy Gobert
One of Gobert’s most criticized moments came during the 2023 Western Conference Finals, when the Timberwolves were facing the Dallas Mavericks. With the series tied 1-1, the Wolves had a chance to level the series. However, with 9 seconds left in Game 2, Luka Dončić made a game-winning three-pointer over Gobert after strategically isolating him.
Gobert’s inability to defend Dončić in that crucial moment—especially when the Slovenian star took advantage of Gobert’s slower footwork—was seen as a major mistake in a game the Timberwolves needed to win. This failure likely added to Finch’s caution about relying on Gobert in similar situations.
Was Coach Finch Justified in Benchin Gobert?
Coach Finch’s decision to bench Gobert, despite his defensive prowess, could have been a strategic move to avoid repeating past mistakes. Given Gobert’s struggles in crunch-time moments and the team’s past failures in the postseason, Finch may have felt that another player on the floor would offer better options in defending Miami’s final possession.
Still, the question remains whether Finch’s decision cost the Timberwolves a much-needed win. If Gobert had been on the court, his presence might have altered the outcome, especially considering his ability to guard the rim. The timing of this choice—given Gobert’s history of frustration in similar situations—raises questions about the coach’s faith in his star defender.
The Impact on the Timberwolves’ Season
This loss could have a ripple effect on the Timberwolves’ season, as it was a tight game that could have gone either way. While Gobert’s absence during that final defensive possession was a key moment, the Timberwolves’ inability to execute down the stretch was a collective failure. Whether Finch’s decision was the right one or not, it’s clear that the team needs to improve its late-game execution if it hopes to compete for a deep playoff run.
FAQ
Why was Rudy Gobert benched during the crucial moment against Miami Heat?
Coach Chris Finch opted to bench Gobert for the final defensive possession, likely due to Gobert’s struggles in similar situations in the past and the belief that another player might be more effective in that scenario.
How has Rudy Gobert performed in past crunch-time situations?
Gobert has faced criticism for his performance in crunch-time moments, including struggles against players like Nikola Jokić and Luka Dončić, which could have influenced Coach Finch’s decision.
What was the outcome of the Timberwolves vs. Miami Heat game?
The Timberwolves lost to the Miami Heat by one point, with a last-minute layup from Nikola Jovic giving Miami the lead.
How does Rudy Gobert react to being benched?
Gobert expressed frustration at being benched but respected Coach Finch’s decision, acknowledging that the team’s late-game execution as a whole was to blame for the loss.
Did Coach Finch’s decision impact the Timberwolves’ playoff chances?
The loss to the Miami Heat was a missed opportunity for the Timberwolves, and while Gobert’s absence may have cost them the game, it was the team’s overall performance in the final minutes that led to the loss.
