By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Rudy Gobert emphasized a mindset of total dominance following the Minnesota Timberwolves‘ victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, a win that propelled them to a 2-1 lead in their best-of-seven series during the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google.
Standing at center court of the Target Center immediately after the final buzzer, the French big man summarized his approach to the postseason. “Just dominate. Do what I do, and try to help the team win, whatever it takes,” he mentioned.
His impact was felt across the stat sheet in Game 3, where he finished with 10 points, 12 rebounds, three blocks, and three assists in 36 minutes of play. While the win was a statement performance for Minnesota, the 33-year-old center remained focused on the standard the team needs to maintain to advance.
“I think we’ve shown this year that we can do it, but we couldn’t do it consistently. Tonight, I thought it was our best defensive effort, but I think there is still room to improve,” he noted at the start of his postgame press conference.
A primary factor in the Wolves‘ success was their ability to disrupt Nikola Jokic. Although the Serbian superstar finished with 27 points and 15 rebounds, he was forced into a difficult 7-of-26 shooting night and committed four turnovers.
Gobert, who spent much of the night matched up with the multi-time MVP, spoke with deep respect about the defensive assignment. “Just trying to compete,” he said. “As I’ve said, he’s the greatest offensive player I’ve guarded in my whole career. Just trying to enjoy the challenge, make him work as much as I can. It’s also a team effort.”
As the series remains in Minneapolis for Game 4 on Saturday, the team coached by Chris Finch has a chance to put the defending Western Conference contenders on the brink of elimination.
For the three-time All-Star and four-time Defensive Player of the Year, the physical and mental demands of the series are exactly what he has prepared for.
“I worked my whole life for these moments. We got 14 more games to win, so I can’t get tired now, for sure,” he explained, signaling his singular focus on the 14 additional victories required to secure his first NBA championship.
NBA Playoffs 2026
Eastern Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Detroit Pistons – Orlando Magic 1-1 (101-112, 98-83)
2. Cleveland Cavaliers – Toronto Raptors 2-1 (126-113, 115-105, 104-126)
3. New York Knicks – Atlanta Hawks 1-2 (113-102, 106-107, 108-109)
4. Boston Celtics – Philadelphia 76ers 1-1 (123-91, 97-111)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
Western Conference
Quarterfinals (best-of-seven)
1. Oklahoma City Thunder – Phoenix Suns 2-0 (119-84, 120-107)
2. Los Angeles Lakers – Houston Rockets 2-0 (107-98, 101-94)
3. Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves 1-2 (126-115, 114-119, 96-113)
4. San Antonio Spurs – Portland Trail Blazers 1-1 (111-98, 103-106)
Semifinals (best-of-seven)
5. Winners 1-2
6. Winners 3-4
Finals (best-of-seven)
Winners of Semifinals
NBA Finals 2026 (best-of-seven)
Eastern Conference and Western Conference champions