The Minnesota Timberwolves secured a crucial win over the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, but it came at a cost. Two of their key players, Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels, were involved in separate incidents that resulted in injuries and a suspension.
Gobert, the All-Star center who was acquired from the Utah Jazz in a blockbuster trade last summer, punched his own teammate Kyle Anderson in the chest during a timeout in the second quarter. The altercation reportedly stemmed from a disagreement over defense and rebounding, and Anderson’s use of profanity towards Gobert. The Frenchman was immediately sent to the locker room and later told to go home by the team.
Rudy Gobert throws a shot at teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout. pic.twitter.com/dRzi3ALkoJ
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 9, 2023
Anderson, who was not seriously hurt, stayed in the game and played a vital role in the Timberwolves’ 113-108 victory. He finished with 14 points, six rebounds and four assists, and helped contain Zion Williamson to 22 points on 8-of-18 shooting. Anderson also spoke to the media after the game and called the response to Gobert’s punch “kind of lame”.
The Timberwolves announced on Monday that they have suspended Gobert for one game without pay for his conduct detrimental to the team. He will miss Tuesday’s play-in tournament game against the Los Angeles Lakers, which will determine the seventh seed in the Western Conference playoffs. Gobert has apologized to his teammates and coaches via text message and said he hopes to move on from the incident.
McDaniels, meanwhile, suffered a fracture in his right hand after punching a wall out of frustration in the third quarter. The second-year forward, who has emerged as one of the best defenders in the league, was having a rough night offensively. He had missed all six of his shots and committed four turnovers before injuring himself.
Jaden McDaniels punched a wall so hard he put himself out of the game pic.twitter.com/QJQFoMI1i2
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) April 9, 2023
McDaniels did not return to the game and was seen wearing a cast on his hand. He will undergo further evaluation to determine the severity of his injury and his availability for the postseason. McDaniels has been a key contributor for the Timberwolves this season, averaging 11.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 1.6 blocks per game.
The Timberwolves will have to overcome these setbacks as they face a tough challenge against the Lakers, who are led by LeBron James and Anthony Davis. The winner of that game will advance to face the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs, while the loser will have to play another game against either the San Antonio Spurs or the Golden State Warriors for the eighth seed.
