Timberwolves’ Gobert Fuels Winning Streak Amidst Playoff Pressure

Minneapolis, MN — The Minnesota Timberwolves have done their best to dodge disaster throughout the 2024-25 NBA season, showcasing resilience as they secured two shaky victories against struggling teams last week. Despite allowing the Brooklyn Nets to close within six points late in the fourth quarter on Thursday, the Wolves managed to pull away with a 13-2 run, ultimately winning 114-109.

Two nights later, the Timberwolves found themselves in another nail-biter against a depleted Philadelphia 76ers team, who had lost ten consecutive games. Miraculously, the 76ers trimmed the Timberwolves’ lead to just one point in the closing moments, but the Wolves prevailed thanks to a key basket from Anthony Edwards, marking their fifth consecutive win.

While some may view these games as lucky escapes, there is a solid foundation behind the Timberwolves’ recent success, namely the contributions of Rudy Gobert. Gobert, a consistent force in the paint, has not only been a defensive stalwart but has also elevated his teammates’ performance. His offensive presence, combined with Edwards’ headline-grabbing heroics, has propelled Minnesota as they navigate the final stretch of the regular season.

“Rudy is refusing to let us lose on nights like this,” Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch said after the game against Philadelphia. “All credit to him… We need more guys playing with that intentionality.”

Gobert’s impact is evident through the statistics, exhibiting a significant swing in the Wolves’ performance with him on the court. In the past 13 games since returning from a back injury, Gobert has been instrumental. With Gobert in the lineup, the Wolves average 123.5 points per 100 possessions, while allowing only 103.9, creating a net rating of plus 19.6. Conversely, the numbers drop drastically when he sits, highlighting his vital role on the team.

Over the course of the season, Gobert’s influence has grown, providing essential stability amidst the roster’s fluctuating maturity. His performances have served as a template of discipline and accountability, traits that the Timberwolves have leaned on more heavily as they vie for playoff positioning.

After a strong outing against the 76ers, where he notched 23 points and 19 rebounds, Gobert remarked, “I try to set the tone for the team and play well at both ends.” Coaches and players alike echoed praise for his ability to focus and perform under pressure.

With only a few games remaining in the regular season and a tight race within the Western Conference standings, Gobert’s leadership is more crucial than ever. As the stakes rise, he has stepped up his game in preparation for the playoffs. Still, challenges loom; the Wolves will face tough opponents in the coming days that could significantly impact their playoff trajectory.

“It has become part of who we are this season,” Finch acknowledged. “We have to build on what we’ve done and survive our own mistakes. We need to get out in transition and make more energy plays moving forward.”

Recent performances suggest that the Timberwolves are slowly discovering their stride, particularly with Gobert leading the charge. Maintaining this momentum will be essential for Minnesota as they approach a crucial stretch leading into the postseason.