Timberwolves’ Gobert Narrowly Escapes Falling Jumbotron Piece at Target Center

MINNEAPOLIS, Minn. — Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert narrowly avoided being struck by a falling piece of equipment from the jumbotron during Monday night’s 100-92 victory over the Atlanta Hawks at Target Center. The incident occurred as Gobert and teammates walked to the bench at the end of the first quarter.

“It happened right in front of me. I don’t know if that’s good or bad,” Gobert said postgame. When asked if his life flashed before his eyes, he replied, “Yes.” The object, which appeared to be part of the arena’s horn system, landed between the free-throw and three-point lines, startling players and fans alike.

Teammate Naz Reid, who witnessed the incident, looked up at the scoreboard in confusion. Hawks player Mouhamed Gueye had walked past the spot just seconds before the object fell. No injuries were reported, and officials quickly removed the debris from the court.

The Timberwolves secured the win despite a lackluster second half, with Anthony Edwards leading the team with 23 points, five rebounds, and three assists. Gobert contributed a double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Naz Reid added 15 points off the bench.

Head coach Chris Finch expressed frustration with his team’s performance, particularly in the second half. “That was a totally unacceptable second half of basketball. If we’re trying to be a team, we’re trying to go where we’re trying to go, that’s not good enough,” Finch said.

The Hawks, playing without injured star Trae Young, saw De'Andre Hunter score a career-high 35 points in the loss. The defeat extended Atlanta’s losing streak to five games, while Minnesota improved to 25-21, marking the first time this season they are four games above .500.

Target Center has seen its share of unusual incidents in recent years, including a protester gluing herself to the court and social media influencers promoting cryptocurrency during games. Monday’s jumbotron malfunction added another chapter to the arena’s history of bizarre events.

The Timberwolves will look to extend their three-game winning streak when they face the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, while the Hawks aim to bounce back against the Houston Rockets on Tuesday.