Victor Wembanyama speaks highly of Rudy Gobert calling him one of the ‘best defensive players in the world’ after Spurs’ loss to the Timberwolves

Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves is a leading contender for Defensive Player of the Year.


Victor Wembanyama speaks highly of Rudy Gobert calling him one of the ‘best defensive players in the world’ after Spurs’ loss to the Timberwolves

Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama (via Open Source/X)

The Minnesota Timberwolves effortlessly clinched a commanding 114-105 victory at home against the San Antonio Spurs. Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama went head-to-head yet another time. Gobert performed well with 13 points and 17 rebounds to his name. Anthony Edwards had 34 points that helped the Timberwolves remain at the top of the Western Conference.

Victor Wembanyama struggled with shooting and turnovers. He finished the game with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Gobert’s defense caused plenty of problems for Wembanyama. Gobert remains a top contender for Defensive Player of the Year. In the recent battle between the big Frenchmen, Gobert got the better of Wembanyama.

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Wemby acknowledges Gobert as a role model and mentor in his basketball journey. This is what he said in the post-game interview:

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I think he's really found his place here [with the Timberwolves]. He fits in the team… he might be the best defensive player in the world. If you're by yourself it doesn't work. But here, he's not by himself. He's got everything to make this work.
Victor Wembanyama on Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert did not have a good first season with the Timberwolves. However, he has stepped up in the second season as a big support to Anthony Edwards. The fit of Edwards and KAT with Gobert has helped the Timberwolves remain on top of the stacked Western Conference.

Victor Wembanyama and coach Gregg Popovich reveal reason behind loss vs. Minnesota Timberwolves

The San Antonio Spurs lost their fifth consecutive game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. The Spurs had 23 turnovers. The Timberwolves capitalized on the opportunity well. Despite playing without Karl-Anthony Towns, the Wolves cruised to victory. The turnovers frustrated the coach Gregg Popovich.

Victor Wembanyama and Gregg Popovich
Victor Wembanyama and Gregg Popovich (Credits: Spurs Wire)

This is what Coach Popovich said about the loss:

You can't win games when you give up 30 points off turnovers. That's the bottom line.
Gregg Popovich during the post-game interview
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Wemby added his voice to the issue. He felt the team would improve since they were accountable for their mistakes. The San Antonio Spurs occupy the last position in the Western Conference standings with an 11-48 record. They will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder in their next game. The turnovers need to lessen, or the Spurs will continue to face losses going forward.

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