One of the most polarizing players in the NBA, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert will be in the spotlight for the team’s second-round playoff matchup with the Golden State Warriors — especially with his history with Draymond Green.
Green, one of the NBA’s lead antagonists, has menaced the four-time Defensive Player of the Year throughout his career.
Advertisement
What began as social media beef for years bubbled into a full-on fight when Gobert, breaking up a scrum between teammate Jaden McDaniels and Klay Thompson, was pounced on by Green, who put the Frenchman in a chokehold during a 2023 matchup.
It’s safe to say Gobert will be a target of Green, whose head games with the Frenchman go back years and could present some fiery moments that could take Gobert out of the game — either physically, with foul trouble, or mentally.
However, Gobert had a one-word message on social media ahead of the series that puts to rest any questions about where his head is at approaching Game 1 on Tuesday.
Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green (23) celebrates behind Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27)Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
On X (formerly Twitter), Gobert posted a photo of himself with the caption “Here,” followed by a series of emojis.
The prayer hands and lock emoji are pretty self-explanatory; but what’s with the dragon?
Advertisement
It’s a reference to Anthony Edwards likening Gobert to a dragon — specifically from “Game of Thrones” – after Gobert’s clutch Game 5 performance against the Los Angeles Lakers.
As the Wolves had a horrendous night shooting — 7 of 47 from three-point range — Gobert carried his team to victory, posting a playoff-high 27 points, 24 rebounds and a plus-18 rating for the 32-year-old center.
He is the first player to post at least 25 points and 20 boards in a series-clinching win on the road since Shaquille O’Neal did for the Miami Heat in 2006.
Similar to the Lakers series, the Wolves have a size advantage over a Warriors team that lacks a center to match up with Gobert.
Advertisement
After 10 of ESPN’s NBA experts unanimously picked Los Angeles to win the first series, the outlet has come around to the Wolves — voting 11-1 in favor of the Wolves winning the series.
Related: Timberwolves End Warriors’ Historic Run Before NBA Playoff Series
Related: Fans React to Anthony Edwards’ Old Draymond Green Warning Ahead of Wolves-Warriors