By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
The Minnesota Timberwolves split the first two games of the 2023-24 NBA Regular Season. Following the loss to the Toronto Raptors, they defeated the Miami Heat on the season’s first edition of NBA Saturdays.
Rudy Gobert discussed overcoming the shorthanded Heat in his side’s home opener at Target Center. He also confirmed personal goals for his 11th campaign in the league based in North America.
“I think we kept doing the little things. We raised the level throughout the whole game, focusing on what we do, the little details. Offensively, we just made the right play,” the French center summed up the first win of the season, “We have so much talent.”
“There is always somebody that’s going to score,” he described numerous options on the roster.
“I know that is who I am”
The three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year last captured the award in 2021. He instead saw Jaren Jackson Jr. and Marcus Smart getting the nod over the last couple of seasons. However, he still feels like the best defender in the world.
“Just impacting the game in every possession, whether in offense or defense,” he said on his role with the Wolves, “Obviously, defensively to me it is just about being the best in the world. That is what I have been in the past. I know that is who I am.”
Averaging 14.5 points per game in the first two appearances in the Regular Season, Gobert is adding to his offensive game as well. Opting in favor of executing push shots from short distances rather than dunking has been an improved feature.
“I get the ball a lot in that area,” he explained, “Being able to punish defenses from there, it is a great weapon. I have been working on it a lot over the last couple of years. And now I am really at the stage where I am comfortable. It is almost like a layup for me.”
The Timberwolves will resume action by visiting the Atlanta Hawks in State Farm Arena on Monday.
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