The Minnesota Timberwolves lost Friday’s game to the Cleveland Cavaliers, falling 113-104 in overtime. And Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert made a clear gesture to imply that he thought something fishy was going on.
Minnesota was nursing a one-point lead in the final minute when Anthony Edwards put up a jump shot. The shot missed but Gobert, who was battling for the rebound with Cleveland’s Jarrett Allen, secured the loose ball. Only, it didn’t count that way. Gobert was whistled for a foul, his sixth of the game. Things went from bad to worse for Gobert and the Timberwolves when Gobert was called for a technical foul.
And while we’d normally like referees to not be too sensitive in the final minute of a close game, this wasn’t exactly a rabbit ears (or in this case, eyes) situation. Gobert flashed the money sign at the official, not so subtly implying that they were paid off.
Rudy Gobert gets a technical foul for making the money sign at officials after fouling out. pic.twitter.com/AXdGSkowMU
— The Comeback (@thecomeback) March 9, 2024
This sparked controversy, to say the least.
For some people, Gobert was entirely in the wrong.
Rudy Gobert 😭😭😭
What an idiot.
— warriorsworld (@warriorsworld) March 9, 2024
Did Rudy Gobert… just suggest that the Cavs are paying off the refs????
— Nick Pedone (@NickPedone12) March 9, 2024
Rudy Gobert is so easily the least likable player in the NBA
— Tony Pesta (@Tony_Pesta) March 9, 2024
Rudy Gobert just put up the money signs right at the official to insinuate they had money on the Cavs
That’s absolutely a technical foul
— Adam Koffler (@AdamKoffler) March 9, 2024
Others, though, felt that Gobert had a point.
Rudy Gobert did the money hand motion at the refs. That looks bad, but it's not libel if it's true.
— Patrick Fenelon 🌹 (@Patrick_Fenelon) March 9, 2024
Rudy Gobert just told Scott Foster he knows a PARLAY when he sees it!! Croissant man is hilarious!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣💀💀💀
pic.twitter.com/21ize1PjPC— 73-9 and THEY LIED (@CuffsTheLegend) March 9, 2024
In reality, even if Gobert was correct about the quality of the calls, flashing the money sign was just not a smart move. This is particularly true in a game like this when his team is trying to hold onto a close lead on the road.
Rudy Gobert made the money sign to the official. He’s out of line but he’s right. What are these calls 🤣🤣
— Thomas Sullivan (@Yfz84) March 9, 2024
It was not a banner game for Gobert.
Earlier in the game, he had a chance to get two points for his team with an uncontested layup or dunk — but managed to airball the shot.
Rudy Gobert airballs a dunk 😂 pic.twitter.com/dUxl7jbG1J
— McNeil (@Reflog_18) March 9, 2024
The technical foul call also ended up being huge. Cleveland’s Darius Garland made the free throw to tie the game and it ended up being the final point that either team scored in regulation. So it’s entirely possible that without Gobert’s technical foul, Minnesota would have won the game in regulation.
[Photo Credit: ESPN]
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