Timberwolves and Pacers Clash Leads to Double Ejection in Third Quarter

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Tensions escalated during the Minnesota Timberwolves matchup against the Indiana Pacers on March 17, 2025, resulting in the ejections of Rudy Gobert and Andrew Nembhard following a heated altercation in the third quarter.

The incident occurred with eight minutes remaining in the period, as Nembhard drove toward the basket and inadvertently caught Timberwolves guard Mike Conley with an elbow. Gobert responded by throwing a shoulder into Nembhard, prompting the Pacers guard to retaliate by throwing the basketball at Gobert. Officials determined both players’ actions warranted ejections, issuing a Flagrant 2 foul to Gobert and a second technical foul to Nembhard.

Gobert, known for his protective nature towards teammates, had been vocal about not tolerating aggressive plays against Conley. The Timberwolves were challenged to adjust without their defensive anchor as they attempted to secure a win against a Pacers team missing several key players.

Nembhard finished the game with 12 points, three assists, and two rebounds across 19 minutes before his ejection. His absence created an opportunity for teammates Ben Sheppard and T.J. McConnell to step up for additional minutes during the remainder of the contest.

The Pacers were already shorthanded for the game, sidelined with stars Tyrese Haliburton, Pascal Siakam, and Myles Turner unable to play. Haliburton was resting due to lower back soreness, while Siakam was away for personal reasons. Turner missed the game due to a bruised hip.

Despite the setbacks, the Pacers showed resilience throughout the game, even competing with the surging Timberwolves, who had recently found momentum in their ongoing playoff push.

The Timberwolves managed to rally after the altercation; the score was 101-96 in their favor at the time of writing. Naz Reid led the team in scoring in the first half, providing critical offensive support following Gobert’s exit.

As the game progressed, frustration was evident on both sides. The intensity of the match reflected the significance of each possession in the context of the playoff race.

After the game, Gobert’s actions prompted discussions among fans and analysts about whether his retaliation constituted true leadership or reckless abandon, especially considering the implications for the remainder of the game.