By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
A huge double-double by Rudy Gobert paced the Minnesota Timberwolves in a series-clinching win, 103-96, over the Los Angeles Lakers in crypto.com Arena.
Prevailing Wednesday, the Wolves wrapped up the Western Conference Quarterfinals best-of-seven series in five games.
“It feels great,” said Rudy Gobert after posting a 27-point, 24-rebound double-double in Game 5, “We had a season with ups and downs. Coming here and playing like we did tonight means a lot.”
The 32-year-old French center made 12/15 two-pointers and extended a dominating display into defense with two blocks over 38 minutes.
“I think we just have a bunch of guys that want to win. A lot of guys who went through a lot of adversity throughout their career, throughout their life. And we love each other,” he added in a postgame interview.
“Over the course of the series, I was feeling like it was getting harder and harder for them to keep me off the boards,” Gobert said in a postgame press conference, explaining his improved showing, “I knew that there was going to be a game, where I get a little more luck and it comes my way, and I would be better in finishing.”
“My vindication is not about beating a specific person, but winning a championship. I got a little more work to do for that,” he replied to a question about potential revenge for last season’s elimination in the Western Conference Finals against Luka Doncic, then the leading player of the Dallas Mavericks.
This might be the end of the season for Luka Doncic, let’s hope it’s not 🙏pic.twitter.com/9bzRrztkbn
— Eurohoops (@Eurohoopsnet) May 1, 2025
On the way to elimination from the 2025 NBA Playoffs presented by Google, Slovenian Doncic was forced to a brief exit before halftime due to a back injury and finished with 28 points, nine assists, seven rebounds, and one steal in 39 minutes.
After recovering from right foot surgery over recent months, German Maxi Kleber was cleared for his Lakers debut and went for two points, lasting nearly five minutes. Ukrainian Alex Len stayed on the bench.