Gobert’s monster debut powers Timberwolves over Thunder

Rudy Gobert’s debut was a hit on Wednesday night time as his efficiency led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 118-115 victory over the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder.

The query of how Gobert would match into the Timberwolves’ offense was answered instantly as he was on the receiving finish of an alley-oop from Karl-Anthony Cities within the first quarter.

Gobert, who was acquired for his talents on the defensive finish scored 23 factors and pulled down 16 rebounds on the night time and helped Minnesota construct a 16-point lead within the second quarter.

After going into the locker room with a 65-52 lead at halftime, the Thunder started to make a comeback, utilizing a 27-5 run to take a 79-78 lead with 3:01 to play within the third quarter.

From there, the Timberwolves’ effort wasn’t horny but it surely was efficient. Anthony Edwards shot simply 4-of-17 from the ground with 11 factors and 7 assists on the night time and Cities had 12 factors and 6 rebounds and 7 assists whereas capturing 2-of-10. 

D’Angelo Russell scored 20 factors and added 5 rebounds and Jaylen Nowell got here off the bench with 13 factors, but it surely was Gobert’s presence within the paint that helped the Timberwolves dangle on for the opening night time victory.

The Timberwolves will look to enhance to 2-0 on the season once they host the Utah Jazz on Friday night time.