Editor’s Note: This story has been updated to reflect the exclusion of Rudy Gobert for Game 2 against Denver.
DENVER — Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert will miss Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets, coach Chris Finch said Monday night.
Finch said there had been consideration of trying to bring Gobert back to Denver after the birth of his child, but the weather complicated things. City plays good defense for the Nuggets to start Game 2.
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Gobert had been listed as questionable Monday for personal reasons. While the Timberwolves did not specify the reasons for his potential absence during the day, it was previously known that Gobert and his longtime girlfriend were expecting a baby during these playoffs. As Gobert told the Deseret News in Salt Lake City in March, he planned to be there for the birth of his first child.
“I would do anything I could to be there,” Gobert said. “I don’t think there’s any debate to be had. Coach (Chris) Finch and all the guys in that locker room, that’s what I love about them, we have a level of human connection and empathy with each other that I think is really good. And I think all the guys will literally tell me, “Don’t play, go ahead.” »
Gobert, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, played a major role in Minnesota’s 106-99 victory in Game 1 Saturday, finishing with six points, three blocks and a game-high 13 rebounds. He was one of three Timberwolves big men who slowed down two-time Denver MVP Nikola Jokić, who had seven turnovers and shot just 11 of 25 from the field, including just 2 of 9 from beyond the 3-point arc.
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(Photo by Rudy Gobert and Nikola Jokić: Ron Chenoy / USA Today)