Watch: T-wolves' Gobert punches teammate during timeout

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert. Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports

Watch: Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert punches teammate during timeout

By Sean Keane | Last updated 4/9/23

Rudy Gobert and Draymond Green are perpetual rivals for the Defensive Player of the Year award. And for slugging their teammates.

During a heated argument in a timeout during the Minnesota Timberwolves game against the New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday, Gobert swung on teammate Kyle Anderson.

Rudy Gobert throws a shot at teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout. pic.twitter.com/dRzi3ALkoJ
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) April 9, 2023

Gobert showed his instincts for defense by immediately backpedaling after Anderson went after him to retaliate. The Timberwolves sent Gobert home.

Timberwolves have sent Rudy Gobert home after Gobert threw punch at teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout huddle, per sources. He is out for remainder of game.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) April 9, 2023

It looks like the argument stemmed from a defensive argument, and the internet's lip readers contend that Anderson said "You're a b----" before Gobert swung on him.

Gobert wasn't the only Timberwolf to throw an ill-advised punch. Forward Jaden McDaniels was ruled out of the game with a hand injury after punching a wall.

Jaden McDaniels punched a wall so hard he put himself out of the game pic.twitter.com/QJQFoMI1i2
— Pelicans Film Room (@PelsFilmRoom) April 9, 2023

The Timberwolves will only have a few days to pull things together, as they're facing wither the 7 vs. 8 play-in game Tuesday, or the 9 vs. 10 game Wednesday.

After all, they will need to be at full strength if they're going to have a puncher's chance at the playoffs.

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