On Tuesday, the NBA announced that Utah Jazz center Rudy Gobert had been suspended for one game after an incident in which he punched Minnesota Timberwolves guard D’Angelo Russell during a play-in game between the two teams. The incident occurred with just over two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter of the game, when Gobert and Russell got tangled up while fighting for a rebound. Gobert then threw a punch at Russell, which resulted in a technical foul and an ejection from the game.
The NBA’s decision to suspend Gobert for the play-in game was a significant one, as it had major implications for both teams. For the Timberwolves, it meant that they were without their star center, who was averaging 15.1 points and 13.7 rebounds per game this season. Without Gobert, the Wolves were unable to contain the Lakers’ offense, and ultimately lost the game by a score of 112-106.
For the Jazz, the suspension meant that they were without their defensive anchor in a crucial game. Gobert is a two-time Defensive Player of the Year and is widely considered to be one of the best rim protectors in the league. His presence on the court would have been invaluable for the Jazz, as they were trying to hold off the Lakers in a tight game.
The suspension of Gobert also had an impact on the Lakers, as it meant that they were able to take advantage of a weakened Jazz defense. Without Gobert in the paint, the Lakers were able to get to the rim more easily, resulting in more easy baskets and ultimately leading to their victory.
Overall, the suspension of Rudy Gobert had a major impact on the play-in game between the Wolves and Lakers. The Wolves were without their star center, while the Jazz were without their defensive anchor. The Lakers were able to take advantage of the weakened Jazz defense and ultimately came away with the victory. It remains to be seen if Gobert will be suspended for any additional games, but his absence certainly had an impact on this one.
