Rudy Gobert Suspended One Game, Timberwolves Take Big Hit

Rudy Gobert was suspended one game after reaching six flagrant-foul points when he crowded Victor Wembanyama’s landing spot on a contested three in Minnesota’s 104-103 win. The ban follows a December Flagrant 2 and ejection for elbowing Phoenix’s Mark Williams, who said, "I'm not really thinking he's doing that" and added, "Glad I was able to finish the game out." The suspension raises the cost of another foul for a 26-14 Wolves team jockeying for playoff position. Merlin sees a familiar pattern: Gobert’s ironclad defense can tip into costly contact. With automatic penalties accelerating at seven points, Minnesota must have him adjust technique or risk losing their anchor at pivotal moments. The question is whether discipline or frustration will decide their next moves.