As the NBA playoffs kick off, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert is preparing for a postseason matchup filled with familiar faces and strategic challenges. The Timberwolves are set to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round, and for Gobert, this series is about more than just advancing—it’s a chance at redemption and a test of adaptability.
This marks Gobert’s ninth playoff appearance, and at 31 years old, the French big man brings a wealth of experience to Minnesota’s frontcourt. With 72 games under his belt this season, Gobert posted strong averages: 12.03 points per game on 67% shooting, 10.9 rebounds, 1.76 assists, 1.44 blocks, and just 1.24 turnovers. His presence in the paint and ability to anchor Minnesota’s defense has been vital all season—and it will be just as crucial in the postseason.
But one of the major storylines heading into this series isn’t just about Gobert’s defense—it’s about who he’s defending. Luka Doncic, now with the Los Angeles Lakers, has been a difficult opponent for Gobert in the past. The two met most recently in last season’s Western Conference Finals, where Doncic led the Dallas Mavericks to a 4–1 series victory over the Timberwolves. That series featured a crushing Game 2 moment when Doncic hit a game-winning three-pointer right over Gobert.
Reflecting on that loss, Gobert said, “The Conference Finals were a great learning experience. We tried all the different coverages and saw all the different things. Same player, different team, different guys around him, but they’re gonna run some of the same actions.”
Gobert holds a 2–6 career postseason record against Doncic, and while Luka may be with a new franchise, the challenge remains much the same. The Slovenian star remains one of the league’s smartest and most unpredictable players, capable of dissecting defensive schemes with precision.
“JJ, LeBron, Luka, all these guys are really, really smart,” Gobert said when discussing the Lakers’ top talents. “They have the ability to adapt to all kinds of situations, and I think every game is gonna be different.”
It’s that level of adaptability that Gobert believes will define the series. Playoff basketball isn’t just about talent—it’s about adjustments. Every possession matters more, and every counter must be met with a counter of its own.
“I think over the course of the game, you know things are going to happen, and people are going to have to adjust, whether it’s them or us. I think that’s the beauty of the playoffs
Gobert is also emphasizing mental toughness heading into the high-pressure environment of postseason play. The atmosphere will be intense, and the Lakers’ home-court advantage in Game 1 on Saturday night is sure to provide a loud, hostile setting.
“Focus. It’s gonna be a lot of noise, a lot of distractions,” Gobert warned. “There’s gonna be a lot of things that won’t go our way. If we are prepared for that, we can’t let it affect us or distract us from the game plan for what we need to do.”
While the Lakers may have more playoff experience as a team—led by LeBron James and bolstered by the addition of Doncic—the Timberwolves are hungry. With young stars like Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns stepping up, Minnesota has become one of the most well-rounded squads in the league. Gobert’s job will be to hold the defensive line, protect the rim, and communicate effectively when switching between the Lakers’ dynamic offensive looks.
“It’s gonna be a game of adjustments,” Gobert reiterated. “And I think as long as we’re all on the same page, we hope that we’re gonna have some success.”
Ultimately, this series may come down to the little things: effort, execution, and composure. For Gobert, the path forward is clear. Limit Doncic as much as possible, stay focused through the noise, and trust in the system the Timberwolves have built.
The playoffs are where legacies are shaped—and for Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves, the journey begins now. Game 1 tips off Saturday night in Los Angeles, with both teams eyeing a deep run and perhaps, a shot at the championship.
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