- Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert threw a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout.
- The punch came in the middle of a game against the New Orleans Pelicans with playoff implications on the line.
- Gobert left the game and would not return.
Thanks for signing up!
Access your favorite topics in a personalized feed while you’re on the go.
The Minnesota Timberwolves had a scuffle on their own bench on Sunday.
During a timeout, center Rudy Gobert threw a punch at teammate Kyle Anderson after the two had exchanged words for a bit.
Gobert left the game and would not return.
NBA insider Shams Charania reported that the team had sent Gobert home.
After the game, Gobert tweeted out an apology.
“Emotions got the best of me today,” Gobert wrote. “I should not have reacted the way i did regardless of what was said. I wanna apologize to the fans, the organisation and particularly to Kyle, who is someone that i truly love and respect as a teammate.”
The incident between Gobert and Anderson wasn’t the only trouble the Wolves had with punches on Sunday. On his way to the locker room, Jaden McDaniels punched a wall and immediately regretted it.
It was later reported that he had fractured his hand — less than ideal with the playoffs just days away.
For both the Wolves and the Pelicans, the last game of the regular season was an important one. Both teams had already assured they would be in the play-in tournament at the very least, but their final matchup carried lots of significance in terms of seeding for the coming postseason.
Despite their infighting, the Wolves found a way to pull out the win, thanks to a heroic effort from Anthony Edwards in the final minutes.
Minnesota would win the game 113-108. As it was the final game of the day, the win locked in the final standings for the regular season. The Timberwolves finished No. 8 in the West, the Pelicans No. 9.
Due to the format of the play-in tournament, it’s possible these two teams meet again within the week.
If the Lakers beat the Wolves in their game and the Pelicans take down the Thunder, it will be Wolves vs. Pelicans for the final spot in the playoffs.
But due to the punch, Gobert will be suspended for their play-in matchup against the Lakers.
The first games of the play-in tournament will begin on Tuesday night.
