In a heartwarming display of priorities, Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert chose to miss Game 2 of his team’s Western Conference semifinal series against the Denver Nuggets to be present for the birth of his child. Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin III took to Twitter to praise Gobert for making this sacrifice, highlighting the importance of family over sports.
Gobert’s decision to prioritize his family over basketball resonated with many, challenging the stereotype of pro athletes as selfish and immoral. The Timberwolves, who acquired Gobert in a controversial trade two summers ago, have seen success with him on the team. They finished with the third seed in the Western Conference and the NBA’s highest defensive rating in the regular season, positioning themselves as a rising power in the league.
Even without Gobert on the court, the Timberwolves dominated the Nuggets in Game 2 with a score of 106-80, taking a 2-0 lead in the series. Their strong defense has left the defending champions flustered, putting them just two wins away from their second trip to the Western Conference Finals.
If the Timberwolves can maintain their level of play, Gobert and his teammates have a real shot at competing for the Larry O’Brien Trophy in the coming weeks. Gobert’s decision to prioritize his family serves as a reminder that there are things more important than basketball, even during the high-stakes NBA playoffs.