The Minnesota Timberwolves fell 94-85 in Game 2 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs to the Los Angeles Lakers. Julius Randle led the team in scoring with 27 points, Anthony Edwards also played well adding 25 points.
Although the Wolves weren’t able to take Game 2 on the road and return home with a 2-0 series lead, there were some positives from the loss. In addition to Randle’s efficient night offensively, big man Rudy Gobert has quietly put together a defensive clinic in the first two games.
Charlie Walton of Zone Coverage claims the Lakers have shot 11-34 (32.4%) against Gobert through the first two games. Luka Doncic has two turnovers while being guarded by Gobert and LeBron James is 1/6 from the field.
Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic also had some high praise for Gobert and his defensive effort the first two games of the series.
“Rudy Gobert didn’t play good defense last night. He played GREAT defense. Has to grab some more rebounds and be more effective offensively, but head to head defensively against a player hellbent on putting him in a highlight? Rudy played that really, really well,” Krawczynski tweeted.
In both of the first two playoff games against the Lakers, Gobert has only 12 rebounds total (6 in each game). He also has only eight total points in two games. If Minnesota wants to continue competing in this series, he will have to be more active on the boards.
Gobert has never been a huge scorer, but for most of his career he has been a solid rebounder. Returning to the Target Center with a 1-1 tied series, it is imperative for Gobert to be more active on the glass and take advantage of a weaker Lakers frontcourt.
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