Rudy Gobert, the center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, expressed his dissatisfaction with a play involving Alex Caruso of the Chicago Bulls during a recent game.
The incident occurred in the Bulls’ unexpected 109-101 victory over the top-seeded Timberwolves, where Gobert and Caruso collided on the court. Gobert, refusing to take any blame for the collision, called for the NBA to investigate not just that play, but similar incidents as well.
“I suffered a knee injury a few years ago in a similar play and was out for a month because someone crashed into my knee,” Gobert stated to the press. “I believe they should review this because if they fail to hold players accountable, I will take matters into my own hands.”
The collision occurred just before halftime when Caruso and Gobert were vying for a rebound, resulting in Caruso inadvertently making contact with Gobert’s knee, causing Gobert to react strongly to the incident.
Although the Bulls’ victory likely fueled Gobert’s frustration further, it was evident that Caruso did not have any malicious intent and was solely focused on making a typical basketball move.
Caruso is recognized for his exceptional defense and tenacity on the court, while Gobert is known for his defensive skills in protecting the paint, though he is not typically associated with being gritty, unlike Caruso.
“Following the Timberwolves’ 109-101 defeat to the Bulls, they slipped from first to third place in the Western Conference playoff standings,” reported Athlon Sports. “Minnesota has eight games left before the playoffs, with a back-to-back against the Rockets and Raptors scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday.”
In the NBA, controversies are common, and this incident is just the latest example. Despite Gobert’s objections, the NBA is unlikely to take action given that the play in question did not seem to warrant it.
Perhaps, it is better left untouched.
