Rudy Gobert’s heartfelt message to Timberwolves after winning Defensive Player of the Year

Rudy Gobert of the Minnesota Timberwolves was named the Defensive Player of the Year for this season, and he spoke about what the Timberwolves organization and fans have done to support him in his efforts.

“I’ve found a team, a coaching staff, and organization and a city that has embraced me, and a group that has embraced me,” Rudy Gobert said, via Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic. ” I feel like it’s like a family. We are there for each other. We really care about one another.”

The addition of Gobert, while controversial and viewed as expensive or even an overpay by some in a trade with the Utah Jazz, has helped the Timberwolves become a legitimate NBA Championship contender. The Timberwolves were seen as a team that had some talent with Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards that had a bright future, but the addition of Gobert has helped them reach new heights.

Timberwolves’ playoff journey

Gobert did not play in Game 2 against the Denver Nuggets in the second round of the NBA Playoffs due to the birth of his son, but Minnesota was still able to come away with a 106-80 blowout win. In Game 1, Gobert scored six points, but his 13 rebounds were huge in a 106-99 win. Holding the Nuggets to under 100 points in two games on the road in the playoffs is an incredible feat.

The Timberwolves should have Gobert back in the lineup for Game 3 at home on Friday. They will try to close out this series with wins at home.

Gobert was also a big part of the Timberwolves’ sweep of the Phoenix Suns in round one, recording double-doubles in two of the four games. He scored 18 with nine rebounds in Game 2 as well.

Anthony Edwards undoubtedly gets the most attention for the Timberwolves, and deservedly so. He is a superstar player who does the bulk of the scoring for Minnesota, and is one of the more electrifying players to watch in the entire league. He does not do it alone, though.

Along with Gobert, Karl-Anthony Towns has stepped up in these playoffs as well, living up to the expectations that some had for him when he entered the league. The start to these playoffs might be the best stretch of basketball in Karl-Anthony Towns’ career. Everything seems to be coming together at the perfect time.

If the Timberwolves advance past the Nuggets, they will take on the winner of the Oklahoma City Thunder vs Dallas Mavericks series in the Western Conference Finals.

Given what the Timberwolves have done, it would be foolish to count them out in the chase for a championship. The Nuggets are still dangerous, even down 2-0 and being on the road, but Minnesota has to feel good about its chances.