What’s Behind Rudy Gobert’s Recent Turnaround?

Image courtesy of Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images By Logan Harlow - 1 hour ago Rudy Gobert ’s start to the season was about as bad as it could have been. In the first seven games, Gobert averaged just seven points per game while shooting 41.2% from the field. For a player who has built his offensive game around finishing near the basket, that was a serious problem. He missed shots he normally makes, struggled to catch passes cleanly, and shot just 40.8% from the free-throw line. At one point, it looked like Minnesota was having trouble getting anything useful out of him offensively. "We've got to find him a little more cleanly,” said head coach Chris Finch. “We've not been able to do that. He's got to catch and finish better. He had 16 chances in and around the paint in the Cleveland game, didn't finish well. I think he's got to get back and play with a little bit more force down there, and we have to find him a little cleaner at times." But Gobert has been a better version of himself over the last four games. Since the Timberwolves started their current four-game winning streak, Gobert has averaged 9.0 points and 11.8 rebounds while shooting 63.6% from the field. He has also recorded at least 10 rebounds in three of those four games, giving Minnesota a much more consistent presence around the basket. It started with the Milwaukee Bucks game, when Gobert finished with 10 points and 10 rebounds on 3-for-6 shooting. The Wolves should expect that from him, especially against a team that's 1-9. He followed that with eight points, 11 rebounds, and great defense, including 4 blocks against the Houston Rockets. He made 4-for-5 shooting for eight points and grabbed 11 rebounds against the New Orleans Pelicans. Then, Gobert had his best all-around game of the season against the Utah Jazz, finishing with 10 points, 15 rebounds, and two assists on 4-for-4 shooting. Sunday's game against Utah was especially encouraging because Gobert didn't have to force any difficult shots. He was quick and decisive once he got chances at the basket, controlled the glass, and kept Utah from getting extra possessions. That’s the version of Gobert the Wolves need, especially while Anthony Edwards remains out. His defense has also remained a major part of the turnaround. Gobert helped make life miserable for Alperen Sengun in the Houston game. Sengun went 0-for-9 from the field with Gobert on the floor, while the Rockets shot just 2-for-17 when Gobert was the primary defender . Gobert finished that game with four blocks and 11 rebounds, showing that even when his offense wasn’t clicking, he could completely change what an opponent could do around the basket. Gobert’s offense will always be a concern for the team, but they only need him to consistently produce at a decent level. He needs to do a great job finishing the easy chances that come his way, especially with Edwards sidelined and more responsibility falling on everyone else. But Minnesota becomes a much tougher team to deal with when he’s finishing those opportunities while also rebounding and protecting the rim. Lately, that combination has been there. Gobert doesn’t need to suddenly become a 20-point scorer for the Timberwolves to succeed. He needs to give them an efficient offense when it is there, dominate the glass, and remain the defensive anchor that has made Minnesota one of the league’s best defensive teams. For the first couple of weeks of the season, the Wolves weren’t getting enough of that from him. Over the last four games, they have. That has been a big reason Minnesota has been able to turn an ugly stretch for Gobert into a nice four-game winning streak. By Logan Harlow Think you could write a story like this? Hockey Wilderness wants you to develop your voice, find an audience, and we'll pay you to do it. Just fill out this form . minnesota timberwolves nba rudy gobert