Rudy Gobert’s play in the Western Conference Finals has been a point of contention. He is averaging just 3.5 points and 6 rebounds on 37.5 percent shooting from the field in two games against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Moreover, his defensive impact hasn’t been the same. Let’s dive into how Gobert is hurting the Wolves on both ends of the floor.
Gobert has been underwhelming on both ends of the floor
Gobert’s lack of offensive output, while frustrating, isn’t all that surprising. He has always been a below-average offensive player for his career. In the playoffs, Gobert is averaging just eight points. Gobert’s lack of offensive skill, poor hands, and touch around the rim are all problems. Regardless, with the Timberwolves struggling to generate consistent offense, Gobert’s impact has been a key issue.
Throughout his career, despite winning four Defensive Player of the Year awards, Gobert’s defensive impact has been reduced in the playoffs. That’s happening again in this matchup with the Thunder. In this series, Gobert is allowing opponents to shoot 83.3 percent at the rim. This is a significant difference from his regular season average of 53.7 percent and even his playoff average of 56.7 percent. Gobert’s overall defensive field goal percentage has increased from 45.8 in the regular season to 54.5 in the last two games. Unfortunately, this has been a common problem for Gobert throughout his career. His defensive field goal percentage, both overall and at the rim, has consistently increased in the playoffs.
Additionally, Gobert’s lack of lateral quickness and versatility has routinely hurt him in the playoffs. This has once again hurt Gobert against the Thunder. OKC is beating him on switches with their perimeter-centric offensive attack. Given his drop coverage style of defense, OKC is attacking the mid-range with ease. Gobert has averaged just three shots contested at the rim against the Thunder, which is a far departure from his regular-season average of 6.6 shots contested at the rim. The Thunder’s offense has perfectly neutralized Gobert.
Gobert’s minutes could be reduced
In Game 2, the Timberwolves closed with a lineup of Mike Conley, Anthony Edwards, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid. While it was too late in the game for a comeback, this group boosted a +15.2 net rating. This lineup has an ideal combination of versatility, athleticism, and floor spacing.
Chris Finch will likely utilize this lineup more, given its success and how they are better equipped to combat OKC’s strengths. Overall, Gobert has hurt the Timberwolves on both ends of the court this series, and the Thunder aren’t a good matchup for him; expect his minutes to be reduced in Game 3.
