Story by
NBA Slaps Timberwolves Big Man with Suspension
- Story by
- NBA Slaps Timberwolves Big Man with Suspension
Matt Blewett-Imagn Images Matt Blewett-Imagn Images
The Minnesota Timberwolves returned to the hardwood on Friday after the All-Star Break. Anthony Edwards immediately asserted his dominance as the All-Star Game MVP dropped 40 points on the Dallas Mavericks .
On Sunday Chris Finch's team hosts the Philadelphia 76ers . Unfortunately they'll be undermanned with Rudy Gobert being suspended for the contest.
Advertisement
Rudy Gobert out for next Minnesota Timberwolves game
With time running out in the second quarter of Friday's game against the Dallas Mavericks, Rudy Gobert picked up a flagrant foul. With six on his ledger entering the game, a mandatory one-game suspension was issued by the NBA.
Related Headlines
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/lk88UZj5ZU
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) February 21, 2026
Rudy Gobert is among the best defenders in the game. He has won four Defensive Player of the Year awards, and could be in line for a record fifth this season. The MN Timberwolves big man uses his 7'1″ frame to his advantage, and he has a reach that makes him a menace blocking shots.
However, Gobert also looks like something of a baby deer when showing off coordination, and it's often his flailing appendages that get him in trouble. Tangled with the Mavericks Marvin Bagley on Friday, Gobert slapped him across the face.
Gobert called for a Flagrant against Bagley pic.twitter.com/P8IlVSgNnx
— MavsHighlights (@MavsHighlights) February 21, 2026
Whether it was intentional or not, Gobert pulled off a solid impression of a car lot air dancer . The league wasn't going to let him get away with it though, and now his teammates will have to pick up the slack.
Advertisement
MN Timberwolves hope Gobert can do it again
Through 57 games this season, Rudy Gobert has played in 55. Even with his suspension, he'll have missed just three games. Players must compete in at least 65 games to be eligible for season awards. Barring a significant injury, Gobert should clear that threshold with ease.
Rudy Gobert on-ball defense on Kawhi Leonard pic.twitter.com/SUm6FGoSNq
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) February 8, 2026
He won his first Defensive Player of the Year award with the Minnesota Timberwolves in 2023-24. After finishing 13th last year, the metrics have him trending much better this season. He is averaging 11.3 rebounds per game along with 1.6 blocks per game.
Right now Gobert is tied with Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace as the only players in NBA history to win four Defensive Player of the Year awards. He'd be at the top of the mountain on his own with another. At 33 years old, he should have a few more cracks at it.
Advertisement
Related Headlines
