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Gobert urges poise and physicality for Game 6: “It’s on us”

Gobert urges poise and physicality for Game 6: “It’s on us”

30/Apr/26 06:11

rudy-gobert-minnesota-timberwolves — Noah Graham/NBAE / Getty Images / Ideal Image

Facing a shorthanded roster heading to Game 6 between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets, 33-year-old Rudy Gobert focuses on defense

By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net

Following their team practice on Wednesday, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert addressed the media to preview Game 6 in their best-of-seven series against the Denver Nuggets in the opening round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google. With the Wolves holding a 3-2 lead, the focus has shifted toward how the team will adapt to the absence of fellow starters, Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo.

Reflecting on the defensive lapses that allowed Denver to claw back into the series, 33-year-old Gobert emphasized a return to the team’s identity. “I think it’s more about us. They scored, I don’t know how many points in the paint. They were getting wide open shots, so they’re really good players, they’re talented, so if you give them those types of looks, they’re going to make you pay, regardless of who it is,” he said.

After being held to just three points in Game 5, his offensive utility has become a primary talking point. Head coach Chris Finch explained where the veteran center needs to improve his impact, particularly in his physical execution. “I didn’t like our screening. I didn’t think we screened well as part of our execution. I thought it was part of our soft mentality the other day. That’s certainly a place where Rudy can be involved offensively,” he noted. “And Rudy will be involved in the game offensively. He can go to the glass. We can still find him in the roll, no doubt. But primarily, he needs to keep the defense up.”

The French starting center remains focused on playing a selfless game that creates openings for his remaining teammates. “It’s about getting my teammates an advantage and then trying to be available in the right spot for them to find me. And if they put two on the ball, it’s probably going to be in the pocket. If they don’t put two on the ball, it’s probably going to be more at the rim,” he mentioned.

He reiterated that the team cannot afford to play outside of their system despite the missing personnel. “It’s really about being present. Don’t try to force anything. Whatever they give us, we take it, and then we build ourselves. Those guys are very good basketball players, so they just have to be themselves,” he added.

As the series moves to Target Center on Thursday, the Saint-Quentin native is looking for his squad to provide their own energy rather than relying solely on the home fans. “It’s on us to bring it. The crowd and all that can only give us what they can give us to an extent, right? It’s on us to just come in and be ourselves and be in the moment,” he said.

Despite the loss of Edwards and DiVincenzo, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year believes the formula for success remains unchanged. “We’re missing guys, but we know it’s our defense that’s helped us be there right now, 3-2 against a really good team. So, we know what it comes down to, and then offensively just move the ball, push the pace, and we have guys that can step up when we need them,” stressed Gobert.