Rudy Gobert playing against his previous team for the first time since his well-publicized departure to Minnesota during the summer was the main storyline from Friday night’s game between the Utah Jazz and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Gobert and company entered the contest as the betting favourites, but the Jazz won this overtime thriller 132-126.
Jordan Clarkson, a star for the Jazz, had a special message for his former teammate after the game. Late in the contest, as the Timberwolves’ big man went to the line for some crucial free shots in overtime, Clarkson performed some mind tricks on Gobert. Just before Gobert shot his free throws, Jordan walked past him as the Jazz guard began to yell a little bit. Gobert ultimately missed both of his opportunities to tie the game at the line.
Following the compelling encounter, Clarkson felt compelled to criticise Gobert (via Sarah Todd of the DeseretNews):
Had to give Rudy a little bit of (expletive), Clarkson said. Just a little.
We needed those, Rudy. Thank you. I love you, but I ll take those two.
After Gobert’s missed free throws, the Jazz were able to pull off the unexpected victory. In addition, Mike Conley, who fouled Gobert at that critical moment, had some criticism for his old teammate:
It looked like he was running down to the rim free, and I was the closest guy, Conley said. I didn t plan on having to fly over there and do all that.
I just tried and wrap him up as quick as I could and hope that he missed on the free throw line.
Conley’s game-saving foul on Gobert, which was a crucial move in the Jazz’s escape with a victory on the Timberwolves’ own court, was acknowledged by Utah head coach Will Hardy:
Winning plays come in a variety of packages throughout an NBA season, Hardy said. That foul was probably the play that won us the game, not letting Gobert just dunk the ball.
Mike put his body on the line and scared us all for a second there with the way he fell, but you know, that s Mike. He wants to win.
Although there is no apparent enmity between Gobert and his former Jazz colleagues, it is evident that Clarkson, Conley, and the rest of the team are more than willing to take a few shots at the former Defensive Player of the Year when Gobert gets the better of his Wolves.
After the Jazz defeated the Timberwolves in an overtime thriller, Jordan Clarkson sent Rudy Gobert a scathing note, which initially published on ClutchPoints.
