Rudy Gobert is going from being matched up with a one-of-a-kind center to once again being matched up with a one-of-a-kind center.
In the opening round, the Stifle Tower silenced the majority of his critics for the work he did on three-time MVP Nikola Jokic. It was a large reason why the Minnesota Timberwolves have advanced to the Western Conference semifinals after eliminating the arch-rival Denver Nuggets in 6 games.
There is no letting up for Gobert, though. On the opposing side in the conference semis await the San Antonio Spurs. They just have the reigning Defensive Player of the Year (first ever to win it unanimously) and possible MVP runner-up in Victor Wembanyama.
With the Wolves going into the second round shorthanded, it’s pertinent that Rudy finds ways to make Wemby’s life difficult.
Wemby is a different type of superstar than the Joker
Jokic is a savant on the offensive end. The 22-year-old Wembanyama presents a different challenge as both centers are incredible, but certainly not the same. There’s a reason that many refer to the San Antonio big man as an alien. We have never seen someone at his height (7-foot-4) be as skilled as he is.
What worked for Gobert against Jokic is not going to work against Wemby. Jokic can be somewhat of a plodder who can take apart an opposing defense with his surgical passing and physicality. Wembanyama uses more finesse, speed, and his long limbs, that makes his shot virtually unblockable.
The Timberwolves defeated the Spurs in two of three meetings this season, but Wemby didn’t play in the first. They split the two times they met up with him in the lineup. Both of those contests were close (Minnesota won by one, San Antonio by three). The Spurs won Victor’s minutes in both games, though by a combined 22 points over about 57 total minutes.
In the two games against Minnesota this year, Wembanyama averaged 34 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1.5 steals, and a block. The third-year superstar shot 20-41 (48.8 percent) from the field, 7-18 (38.9%) from 3-point distance, and 21-24 (87.5 percent) from the foul line.
Gobert didn’t play in the San Antonio win, the last meeting between the two clubs. The one time they did face each other, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year saw Wemby shoot 6-for-12 from the field, 2-for-6 from deep, and 3-for-3 from the line when guarded by him.
Last season saw the two play against each other three times. Wembanyama shot 9-for-19 from the field and 3-for-11 from beyond the arc when guarded by Gobert. So, the sample size isn’t huge over the last two years, but Rudy hasn’t let Wemby necessarily dominate.
There will be times that Julius Randle, Naz Reid, or Jaden McDaniels will be tasked with guarding Wembanyama. It will be Gobert who will be doing the guarding most frequently, though. It’s one of the biggest storylines for the second round series as Minnesota is four wins away from reaching the Western Conference finals for a third straight year.
Add us as a preferred source on Google