The Minnesota Timberwolves overcame plenty of adversity during the regular season, and now they might be forced to do the same in Game 2 of their 2024 NBA Playoffs series versus the Denver Nuggets. Rudy Gobert is missing Monday's matchup.
The favorite to win his fourth Defensive Player of the Year Award was initially listed as questionable before being ruled out due to personal reasons, according to Timberwolves PR X account. His girlfriend gave birth to their baby on Monday morning.
As the team sends its well-wishes to the French center, supporting players like Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels and Nickeil Alexander-Walker are also preparing themselves for a bigger workload on the defensive end. Nikola Jokic might not need the clone machine on this night.
But everyone discounts Minnesota at its own peril. This squad is tougher and deeper than people originally anticipated. Anthony Edwards is the Wolves' unquestioned top guy, but the rest of the team is rallying around him. When Karl-Anthony Towns suffered a meniscus injury in March, Chris Finch's group collectively stepped up and earned a 12-6 record in that span.
With Finch physically limited and Gobert out of action for Game 2, the Timberwolves must dig deep again. That might not be a problem, though, judging by the intensity and chemistry they have displayed throughout these NBA Playoffs. Another win in Ball Arena could position this franchise for the greatest run of its almost-35-year existence.
Timberwolves can take a commanding lead vs. Nuggets
Denver's game plan could change with Rudy Gobert out, but its sense of urgency will be sky-high regardless. Although the defending champions have done an excellent job at weathering turbulence this season, dropping two games at home against this hungry foe would feel like a death sentence.
Sure, Jokic could plausibly force his hand though the ground and come back from the dead, but Minnesota would also have to be sloppy gravediggers to provide such an opening. And based on how the team is looking right now, such incompetence seems unlikely.
Before fans can experience being up 2-0, however, the Timberwolves actually have to win Game 2. They must draw on the unflappable composure they embodied in Saturday's 106-99 victory. Anthony Edwards solidified his superstar status with a magnificent all-around performance, scoring 43 points on 17-of-29 shooting. If he remains the best player on the court in this series, Minnesota could appear in its first Western Conference Finals in 20 years.
Karl-Anthony Towns and Naz Reid combined for 36 more points, and Rudy Gobert secured 13 rebounds while also recording three blocks. The big men are a vitally important component of this matchup. That will be doubly true with Gobert ruled out for Game 2.
The action tips off at 10 p.m. ET.
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