Rudy Gobert, the center for the Minnesota Timberwolves, was absent from Game 2 of the Western Conference semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets due to the birth of his son. Gobert’s fiancee delivered their child in Minneapolis early Monday, preventing his return to Denver for the game. This delay was compounded by adverse weather conditions, specifically high winds in Colorado, which disrupted air travel plans.
Timberwolves coach Chris Finch acknowledged the consideration of Gobert’s return but cited the timing of the birth and the weather challenges as factors that made it impractical. Gobert’s presence was sorely missed after his pivotal role in Game 1, where he played a significant defensive role, particularly against Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokic.
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With Gobert unavailable, the Timberwolves had to adjust their defensive strategy, with Karl-Anthony Towns taking on a more prominent role. Additionally, assistant coach Micah Nori has been handling on-court instructions in place of Finch, who is recovering from knee surgery.
Despite Gobert’s absence, the Timberwolves remain confident in their ability to compete, though they face a Nuggets team dealing with their own injury concerns, notably with Jamal Murray nursing a strained left calf.
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