Rudy Gobert dominated the Los Angeles Lakers during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 103-96 win in Game 5 to advance to the second round of the 2025 NBA playoffs.
The four-time Defensive Player of the Year exploited the Los Angeles Lakers’ lack of size by notching 27 points, 24 rebounds, and two blocks on 12-for-15 shooting from the field in 39 minutes. With Gobert patrolling the paint, the Minnesota Timberwolves had a 54-37 edge in the rebounding category.
According to Statmuse, Gobert became the sixth player in NBA history to register at least 25 points and 20 rebounds on 75.0 percent shooting (or better) from the field in a playoff game, joining Shaquille O’Neal, Wilt Chamberlain, Moses Malone, Horace Grant, and Wes Unseld.
Minnesota also benefited from the solid performances of Julius Randle, Anthony Edwards, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker, who added 23, 15, and 10 points.
Minnesota Timberwolves News: Chris Finch lauds Rudy Gobert’s dominant performance in Game 5
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch gave Rudy Gobert his flowers after Game 5, saying that the team wouldn’t make it far without his leadership and hustle.
“Rudy’s a winner at the highest level,” Finch said about Gobert after the game via CBS Sports. “He drives winning. You can not like who he is, how he does it, what he looks like, etc. When you have this guy on your team, you understand what a professional and a winner is. And he’s just such a competitor as well.”
The Minnesota Timberwolves will need more performances like these from Gobert, especially when they face the winner of the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors.
