Former Washington Wizards star Gilbert Arenas criticized Rudy Gobert for missing a Minnesota Timberwolves playoff game to be with his newborn son. Gobert was present for Game 1 but missed Game 2 as his son was born earlier that day. Even though the Timberwolves won both games, Arenas believed Gobert should have been in uniform for both. Gobert’s availability for Game 2 was uncertain due to personal reasons, but he ultimately missed the game to be with his family. Arenas, a father of four, thought Gobert should have prioritized playing for his team.
Despite Gobert’s absence, the Timberwolves were able to secure a 2-0 lead in the series against the Denver Nuggets. Gobert, a three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year, played a significant role in Game 1 with 13 rebounds, three blocks, and six points. However, he was not present for Game 2, where his absence did not hinder the Timberwolves’ success. Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns led the team to victory with 27 points each. Gobert averaged 12.9 points per game during the regular season and 11.4 rebounds per game in the postseason.
Arenas took to his podcast and social media to express his disapproval of Gobert’s decision to miss the game for the birth of his son. He emphasized that the baby would still be there when Gobert returned and should have prioritized his team. Despite Arenas’ criticism, Gobert chose to be with his family for the birth of his child instead of playing in Game 2. The decision sparked debate among fans and analysts about whether personal matters should take priority over professional obligations in high-stakes situations such as playoff games.
The Timberwolves will face the Nuggets in Game 3 back in Minnesota, where they will look to maintain their lead in the series. Gobert’s absence in Game 2 did not deter the team’s performance, as they were able to secure a convincing victory. With key players like Edwards and Towns leading the charge, the Timberwolves have shown that they are a force to be reckoned with in the playoffs. Gobert’s presence in future games will likely depend on his family obligations and his commitment to his team.
As the series progresses, Gobert’s absence in Game 2 will continue to be a topic of discussion among fans and analysts. While he missed the game to be with his newborn son, the Timberwolves were able to secure a significant lead in the series against the defending champions. Gobert’s contributions to the team in Game 1 were notable, but his absence in Game 2 did not hinder the Timberwolves’ performance. The team will look to maintain their momentum in Game 3 and beyond, with or without Gobert in the lineup.
