Rudy Gobert’s Defensive Masterclass On Nikola Jokic Helps Wolves Embarrass Nuggets In Game 3

Rudy Gobert clamped down on Nikola Jokic in Game 3 of the Nuggets-Timberwolves series.

Rudy Gobert’s Defensive Masterclass On Nikola Jokic Helps Wolves Embarrass Nuggets In Game 3

Rudy Gobert and Nikola Jokic (Image credits - Firstsportz)

In Short
  • Rudy Gobert delivered a standout defensive performance, limiting Nikola Jokic to 27% shooting in Game 3.
  • The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Denver Nuggets 113-96, taking a 2-1 series lead.
  • Gobert's defense has drawn praise, showcasing his ability to challenge one of the league's top offensive players.

Rudy Gobert is finally starting to show why he is a four-time Defensive Player of the Year winner. After an impressive performance in Game 2, Gobert had one of his defensive games in his playoff career in game three.

After a win on the road two days ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves took advantage of their home-court as they registered a 113-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets at the Target Center on Thursday night. The win gave them a 2-1 series lead.

During the game, Gobert locked up Nikola Jokic and held the Serbian to one of the worst playoff performances in his career.

Over the last five years, Nikola Jokic has arguably been the best offensive player in the league. He has had his way against every defender and defensive scheme set up for him. But that has not been the case in the first round of the playoffs against the Timberwolves.

Despite having won the most DPOY awards in NBA history, Rudy Gobert has often been criticized for getting exposed in the postseason. Even his peers in the league did not rate him highly. However, the Frenchman is making a name for himself in this series.

Gobert was not selected as a top-three candidate for DPOY this year, much to the surprise of his head coach. However, on Thursday, Gobert showed the NBA world why he is a defensive specimen when on the court.

Jokic is one of the favorites to win the MVP award this year. While the Nuggets center did have 27 points and 15 rebounds to his name, Gobert made him earn every single point. The Serb made just seven of his 26 field goal attempts. He shot at 27% from the field and 20% from the three-point line. To add to his poor efficiency, he committed four turnovers as well.

Gobert will be expected to keep Jokic in check once again in game four as the Timberwolves have the home-court advantage now. If he does manage to pull it off again, Gobert may help the Wolves go in the playoffs this year.

Fans react to Rudy Gobert locking up Nikola Jokic

It is a very rare occurrence to see Nikola Jokic being made to work hard to get what he wants. But if there is one center outside of Victor Wembanyama that could trouble Jokic, it is Rudy Gobert.

Following Gobert’s defensive masterclass on Jokic, fans were buzzing across social media and reacted to his performance.

Fans appreciated Gobert’s performance against Jokic. Jokic did go on to score 27 points, he struggled to find any rhythm in the whole game. It was one of the worst shooting nights of his career.

Rudy Gobert on guarding Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic is coming off another historic campaign. He averaged a triple-double in the regular season, posting a stat line of 27.9 points, 12.9 rebounds, and 10.7 assists. Gobert forced Jokic to make some uncharacteristic plays and now the Nuggets have found themselves 2-1 down in the series.

Rudy Gobert has to prove every penny of his $35.6 million deal
Rudy Gobert has been sensational against Nikola Jokic (Image via Open Source/X)

After the game, Gobert was asked about his approach and how he was able to turn Jokic into an inefficient player so far in this series.

He’s the greatest offensive player I’ve guarded my whole career. Just tryimg to enjoy the challenge and make him work as much as I can…keep trying to make him earn everything he gets.

Rudy Gobert in his post-match press conference

Jokic has been shooting at just 40% from the field in the three games against Gobert. In the regular season, Jokic was shooting at 56.9%. It remains to be seen if Gobert can hold Jokic to such numbers in the upcoming games, but so far, Gobert has been nothing short of sensational.

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