How Rudy Gobert's Defense is Shutting Down the NBA

The Minnesota Timberwolves are THE BEST defense in the entire NBA so far, due in large part to Rudy Gobert playing a defensive player of the year caliber level. Rudy Gobert's defense to start this season is up there with some of the best defense he's played in his entire career, and as a result, the Timberwolves defense has benefited immensely from it.
Many people called the Rudy Gobert trade one of the worst trades in NBA history, but now it's looking like it might pay off for the Timberwolves, especially if their defense continues to dominate opposing teams as much as it has so far.
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Providing NBA analysis by making film digestible and using analytics thoughtfully to contextualize on-court production. I cover the NBA in various capacities as a writer and digital content creator. If you love basketball and the NBA, be sure to subscribe to my channel.
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#RudyGobert #Timberwolves #NBA

[@AlexHoops]

Is Rudy Gobert your pick for DPOY so far?👇

[@abrahamgn3614]

For not being able to play defense 3 feet beyond the basket?? Lmao

[@DomesticTable]

@@abrahamgn3614 Wow you don’t watch games

[@abrahamgn3614]

@@DomesticTable wow u think gobert is good

[@thasneemrizvi]

​@abrahamgn3614 wow ur running off a narrative from 2 years ago

[@abrahamgn3614]

@@thasneemrizvi right, because that bum ahh somehow has gotten better, yeah? Gimme a break

[@BasketBall-NewsCast]

I am a defensive minded guy who never understood the Gobert haters and I am so glad many have changed the narrative about Rudy this year. He deserves the love, he is a great mental force, a fantastic basketball player and a great guy. I hope soon DPOY and maybe All Stars I hope!

[@bigbangbasketball]

The criticism was always on offense lol no one ever (or should have ever) questioned his defense

[@baptistehue6719]

@@bigbangbasketball for being honest he's for sure not a scorer but i saw people complain about him in a period where he was averaging 15 point for 70/100 shooting, its more a + than a - because if he shoot less, that indirectly mean other player in his team will have more shot, and having a player averaging so hight efficient numbers, letting his team doing the job offensively while he still EFFICIENT and stay the pillar of his team is something every scorer want : possession.

[@harukomeyers7073]

The hate came from when he played the Clippers I think and one of their players went off from the perimeter in multiple games and that's goberts only weakness. Plus he can get in offensive slumps.

[@luqmanloki4803]

A lot of people criticized his offense. The lowlights looked really bad back then (the ones where he looks like he can barely catch a pass). I always knew he was a interior defense monster. Eventhough I'm not a fan of his huge contract, I'm glad that he's playing to this amazing level.

[@andrewkelly1337]

​@@bigbangbasketball Wow how easily people forget recent history. Check the Clippers series in the bubble for som prime "Gobert is a fraud on defense" popularity

[@juanmanuelbonzano]

Love seeing Gobert back to his DPOY form. Last year was a disaster the T Wolves didn't need. But now they're playing great selfless basketball. They're at least making the WCF.

[@tebonete]

calm down there standings won't matter in western conf playoffs

[@mcmerry2846]

Inflated measurements, he always get cooked in the playoffs. He can't guard anyone

[@prince21781]

Jokic laughs at him and so does AD. He gets cooked against elite bigs.

[@minge3843]

@@mcmerry2846well his team has stepped up, it’s hard to base his defence of past playoffs because jazz had 0 defensive players besides him. If he doesn’t perform this playoffs with defenders like ant, mcdaniels and Kat who has been playable then he’s a bum.

[@Wooden_iguana14]

@@mcmerry2846you should go watch the Thinking Basketball videos about those Utah losses. By and large Rudy was scapegoated. You just saw in this video that Rudy can guard out on the perimeter lol.

[@shorewall]

I want Gobert to win DPOY. I'm a Jazz fan who didn't want to trade him, but we got a great haul. But I wish him success. People slandered him too much.

[@tonynash1234]

You need to cut the word "but" out of your vocabulary. You're contradicting yourself at every turn. And yes, it is that deep to me.

[@sharaid3091]

@@tonynash1234 ur name is tony nash and youre correcting peoples english on the internet get a grip

[@hungerxhunger2548]

​@@tonynash1234Yet you had to edit your comment...

[@Recontramojado]

Jazz fan here, I love Rudy. But we needed to trade him. He's simply too expensive. If he had developed a sky-hook, he would be worth every penny. Ironically, he would be an ideal center with collins and markanen.

[@scottenglund1486]

@@Recontramojado goatbert > bustler 😂😂🤌

[@jakugarcia]

In this era of shooters and offensive prowess, seeing a defensive juggernaut getting hype up with defensive plays is something unique and extraordinary. Love the defence and Rudy should definitely win DPOY again! 💯

[@jun2467]

I think a reason why gobert closes out more often now is because he has more confidence in his teammates that they can pick up the slack to defend the paint. Previously in Utah, they really lacked other defensive options as mentioned so it seemed to me that he was hesitant to close out and it led to some lowlights in the playoffs. This season I think the timberwolves finally figured it out on the defensive end and it shows.

[@artie8561]

And with those awful defenders, rudy was still able to turn them into one of the best defensive efficiency team in the NBA

[@pedroaugustocosta2533]

Exactly, he couldn't run to three point line because he knew it would just result in a wide open layup because his teammates were traffic cones, and a wide open layup is better than a wide open three 99,9% of the time

[@joebergeson8343]

Your use of variable slow-motion for the play breakdowns is super helpful and well done. Thanks.

[@Jarlisson0]

8:00 Gobert stats in 22-23 was so good, even in a down year his presence in paint is insane.

[@danilthorstensson8902]

He was our best player most of the year. It’s just that he was injured for a lot of it and that hobbled what he could do

[@BrandonLyons-fu7zp]

gobert is the greatest defender in the small ball stretch 5 era we’re witnessing greatness

[@marco5030]

Draymond has been better in the postseason. Their primes haven't overlapped, though.

[@DBO_SZN]

Greatest when he’s never done anything in the postseason? Ok

[@BrandonLyons-fu7zp]

@@DBO_SZN he’s about to get a 3rd depoy idgaf about the post season im talking about defense

[@jnmc2498]

They used to laugh at him in Jazz when he had no defensive help. T-wolves are using him much better.

[@VelhaGuardaTricolor]

2:41 another fist pump from Rudy after the miss. He is on!

[@oversensitivenipples]

omfg the block on j-dub at 8:40 is one of the nastiest things ive ever seen. LOOK AT HIM GOING "NOPE" AFTER THE FACT OMG WHAT A MAN

[@homedogg1233]

Wolves have the best defense with the majority of those games being without Jaden is crazy

[@Ian00003]

timberwolves are absolutlely contenders they match up well with Boston and Denver

[@homedogg1233]

Honestly they’re one of the only teams who can match up against Jokic and Denver. Exactly why Connelly built a big man team archetype

[@rohw0016]

Im so glad of his success this year. I was skeptical that he and Kat would find a rhythm together after last year. Granted I think it is because of other pieces around him that allow Gobert to be Gobert. Jaden is the first name on that list of players that greatly help Gobert.

[@jonthehermit8082]

Absolutely, he never had perimeter defenders here in Utah, he didn’t deserve the bad rap he got, teams could pull him out of the paint and just isolate against any of the other four players.

[@ReklawLah]

Very fun analysis. Love this kind of video, they are rare but golden.

[@somebodycomegether770]

paying 250M for 3 centers doesnt look crazy now 😂😂 Gobert, Kat, and Reid have been a 3 headed dragon!!!

[@Nawaking]

Very nice vid. The slow motion is really helpful. The stats with and without help too. Good content. Thanks

[@BH-gh6qm]

kat is worthless vs denver

[@milesbrown8055]

Never beating the Wolves fan allegations

[@jyjennings4748]

yeah real

[@austinphillips04]

Wym?

[@thewizmerlin4224]

​@@austinphillips04I think he means Alex, but as a T-Wolves fan myself I appreciate the love we're getting. I think he's a OKC fan though I'm pretty sure

[@gabes4656]

Never beating the mama’s basement allegations ^

[@GrantRossow]

His dads a wolves fan so makes sense

[@oncetezu3413]

Great analysis dude. Gotta follow you from now on

[@pierrerienier3214]

good video. appreciate the data. keep up the great work

[@desmondtyrell2086]

i found this video through a comment section on instagram 😂 ..such a dope, in-depth breakdown! i always appreciated what he did for utah, shouldering the defensive load.. but im glad he's starting to thrive in minnesota! 👏🏽

[@zacharymatthew2764]

That replay against OKC you can tell he takes great pride in his defense. I love it.

[@haroldozaeta3614]

Great analysis 👊🏼👍🏼 thanks ❤

[@trza49er]

He's exceptional in terms of patience and timing, and very mobile for a guy his size. It really makes you appreciate what Jokic and Doncic have been doing to him in the playoffs.

[@kcjlive1694]

As a fellow mn resident i know you been loving making these

[@user-mp7bi5mv8q]

What makes Gobert the perfect Center for the Antman is he doesnt command to get the ball inside. He prefers to set up a pick and he will roll. Or just go for offensive rebounds.

[@Daveyjdigital]

We're going for the Championship

[@PRODIGY-vr4sd]

Facts

[@shoelace4060]

as a wolves fan i just want them to atleast get to the 2nd round

[@ahhchoo880]

WCF here we come!

[@zeancuenco4140]

You guys are going to WCF thats for sure (Memphis fan here)

[@thewizmerlin4224]

Me too man, I think we can do some real damage this year. I don't know bout a championship or anything but I think we are a real threat in the west.

[@ShaGzz]

@@thewizmerlin4224they’ll get further

[@dylandwyer4597]

As a wolves fan we deserve this season after what we’ve had to witness

[@hittkid6312]

Always said the Utah situation wasn't his fault and that the team's roster is what's making him look bad. Jazz simply did not have have the perimeter defenders that can close out on shooters, rotate properly or even slow down penetration. This is why there is so many clips of Gobert running around trying to both defend the corner AND the paint.

[@kurtcometa4818]

I always knew Mitchell and others play 0 defense and Gobert just covers them sorry asses

[@tafadzwamanzini5463]

He is the reason I started watching basketball lol . We are coming for you Americans

[@baboushko]

Le malaise... 😮

[@PSXkram]

I tried to copy his defense in a game and I got a lot of blocks and this video helped me Gobert is my favorite center so I try to play like him so this video helped.

[@thomascatty379]

Great video, he definitely deserves DPOY

[@michaelandrewtate]

Got great tickets to see the Wolves at the last minute a couple weeks ago for like $20 and watching Rudy in person was like a masterclass and the rest of the team was also brilliant. It's a shame Minnesota doesn't care about basketball but I'm going to take full advantage.

[@evanjohnson1299]

Gobert never had good perimeter D in Utah, he had to stay home to cover for that weakness, Minnesota has very good perimeter d(especially Jaden McDaniels) so he can be more aggressive than In Utah

[@sullir9397]

Did he have to stay home because he was weak on the perimeter, or did have have to stay in his kingdom because the Jazz's perimeter was so bad, he had no choice but to stay in the paint? I would argue that Rudy has had the ability to defend well everywhere in the half court for at least 4 years now. You didn't see it a lot in Utah, but you would see the glimpses of it occasionally.

[@nicolasgomez5308]

@@sullir9397 He had to stay home because in Utah defensive perimeter from guard and PF was a pitty. So he had to stay inside to dissuade penetration (that was eff 3 pt in Utah was so bad). Yes you are right with Jaden playing very smart and interesting defense in the perimeter Minesota is impressive.

[@yerrrrr3485]

@@sullir9397 i think the comment is saying overall team perimeter d was bad in utah and a huge upgrade in minnesota which is completely true

[@johnscilleto]

Good to see Rudy back to form !

[@Sam-fy2kg]

honestly shoutout Gobert. He went from getting clowned left and right and giving the league covid to this. I used to be a hater but his performance made me switch up

[@leevipennanen5262]

That video name is wild😂😂😂😂

[@bossg2817]

Let's see if he can maintain this level come playoff time

[@deeonmxrs]

1:47 The play that made me a Rudy Gobert truther

[@cocozimme]

that pop off in the middle of the play made me respect this guy so much more

[@ninjabf7019]

watching team detterance of rudy give you a glimps of how wemby one could be in future years

[@Rinpuia24]

He is so fierce inside that's why opponents always try to take him outside.

[@slow_Jo]

defense wins championships. their offense will eventually come alive, it's been clunky and a work in progress but they're middle of the pack offensively. KAT and NAZ are the only 50/40/90 guys in the league currently, so they have plenty of firepower.

[@thaSupajok]

This is Udoka’s Defense that he started with TimeLord and Horford years ago. Exact same tactics.

[@BrooksCF]

Would love to see a video on Wemby's stats. Unlilke Gorbert, he has no other defensive support. T-Wolves are solid defensively without him, no doubt better with him on the floor. I think Wemby should be DPOY if the Spurs had a .500 record

[@jk26viper29]

where are those idiots,who called me idiot last season. when i said gobert was still adjusting and he need time or even a season to be effective on his new team.

[@baggi27]

@SKORNorthMN 04:30 they call ‘never minds’ ‘rim deterrence’ it’s out there!

[@TheMrJaarli]

Just knowing he's behind you allows guards to HOUND the perimeter on defense and if they get by you well, have fun trying to score on THAT DUDE in the paint. Lol 😊

[@ludovicbostral]

Rudy Gobert, Victor Wembanyama, that"s the guys in the paint for Team France. Think about that.

[@laurap6763]

Think about the coach is Vincent collet😂

[@HOV4N]

Can you compare analyzing videos from when he was with the Jazz versus the Wolves?

[@Chocolouf]

There's no need, it simply comes down to Utah's inability to add a good perimeter defender on the wing to defend the high pick'n'roll.

[@TomLott-zd3ry]

🐺 have multiple perimeter defenders...

[@McClain3000]

My brain isn't understanding how gobert blocked the 3 pointer @3:00. Insane radius

[@komree5233]

drop the clipper video YOU KNOW HOW THEY BE PLAYING RECENTLY BROOO!!!!!!

[@jonathdeBuc]

i can't wait to see Gobert and Wemby at the Olympics 😃

[@antoinemerat2220]

Gobert gets so much hate by casual NBA fans it's crazy. The man is a beast on both sides of the floor. Yes he can not post up and shoot but he just doesn't do things he can't do. But he does a lot of things nobody else does as well as he does. The Jazz were the number 1 seed in the west when he was in Utah and now the Wolves are. It is no coincidence.

[@nicolasgomez5308]

The Gobert's haters are so funny to read and listen lmao. This dude is an elite defender but for some reason he's still depreciated. But when you ask reliable argument you hear nothing but hate and void. These haters are like the footix for basket what a pitty. Nevertheless for my compatriot Rudy I am so glad he upgrade his level from past year. From now on with 20 games played yes he is the DPOY far enough from the competition (to the haters : I wait your counter arguments with facts and stats with delight lmao). But a season is 82 games, I wish him to continue playing with such a good defensive level. For the playoff argument, DPOY is like MVP it's based on regular season (Greatings to Embiid lmao). Will be tough in the east for Minesota to grab a Final conference place. But I wish them that.

[@Leon-cy7ud]

Him being traded to the wolves might damaged his reputation and career accolades but that made him hone his defensive skills more in the perimeter and not getting baited by fakes

[@taraji59]

Nice

[@marufahmed8973]

Lakers vs Minnesota is gonna be great. Defense vs Defense

[@C_money]

Think another big piece has been KAT's leap defensively. Gobert feels more comfortable leaving a big when they're playing man than in the past because KAT has been so much better on defense this year.

[@henry-ex1pg]

i think the thing that rudy gobert is shining on defense is because of the team defense that twolves have unlike when he was on jazz

[@pwnser]

i love that if rudy gobert gets a dpoy and a chip with ant and kat he could legit be a hof player

[@austincarlson9270]

I'm a simple man... I see Wolves video. I click video. I like video.

[@monkeymoo87]

I used to think he was overpaid but to his credit he’s solid on offense and obviously his his defense is elite

[@johnsepulvedacruz6428]

If there wasn't a 3 second violation there would be more elite centers and Rudy might win x5 defensive player of the year. People hate on him but he's a dominant defender

[@mikaanuba659]

Called it last season when ppl were trashing the Gobert trade. Yes, of course, Minny traded too much. Told that give some time next year it'll be better cuz: Edwards better, KAT healthy, Finch good coach, and Rudy is a defensive anchor. Actually, he's much more: he's a defensive SYSTEM. DPOY runner this year by far (but AD will get all the love in the media)

[@kadikalume9906]

Wemby rim deterrence > Gobert rim deterrence

[@philippepeltier142]

Our Rudy is a fanatic hard worker. 🇨🇵

[@lukasg1571]

tell it Draymond :DD

[@urbaindelva7869]

It might be just me, but it looks like Rudy has gotten slimmer, which has helped his mobility.

[@andrewnguyen4827]

They are finally good

[@kevinc.2062]

SGA baby

[@Ty-cs5wl]

1st ballot HOF nobody talks about just by his accolades

[@ericrambaut8297]

Merci pour Rudy :-)

[@StevenStevenStevenSteve]

Rudy DPOY, Ant MVP, Wolves up this year

[@liampolglase2092]

The fist pump against Chet

[@zacharygoodwin789]

I’m starting the Gilbert MVP agenda

[@LordKashTV]

This is the RUDY's REVENGE tour and I hope it lasts all season and into the playoffs.

[@flowpom]

gotta talk about his offensive rebounds against spurs! phenomenal!

[@PRODIGY-vr4sd]

Rudy! 🔥

[@MrAdmvp]

Howl

[@Xxyounging23]

Gobert has absolutely 100 percent earned the dpoy idc what y’all have to say bout ad he’s not making this much impact

[@leevanshvij5221]

entry achi hai par defense ka style bhot casual hai 4/10

[@BobiwaneKilobits]

I'm French so Rudy will be DPOY ! ;)

[@user-uh8hd2cv6e]

DPOY

[@tristan2338]

timbs looks like gaints out there

[@3hristopher]

Ever since the chokehold he’s been acting different

[@jcrossover2418]

The French eraser

[@ngarci8040]

So Under appreciated by Utah Jazz fan-boys…!!!

[@deveshzaveri235]

HORRAY!

[@plforeal4392]

He seems sssooooo annoying to deal with lol. Good for him making a come back.

[@pierrerienier3214]

agree on the conclusion: he needed to have MORE good defenders around him to become excellent. Well put

[@i_fuze_hostages6]

Bro literally just one average defender would have made the jazz a real contender but it was Rudy vs the world

[@mrsasshole]

They need to create a "nevermind" stat for Gobert. Everytine an opponent stops doing what hes doing because Gobert is hulking over him, thats a "nevermind".

[@paulandersbullecer3152]

He's great at shutting down the NBA. Literally did it in 2019

[@cheesuskrust7021]

Fuck i thought i was original 😂

[@florianb7919]

Are there actually morons thinking he brought COVID in the country??

[@RavioliMD]

him and trae are the most overhated players in the league

[@scottenglund1486]

your basketball iq is very low

[@dawgpost90]

Seen this before. Show me in the playoffs.

[@gabriellalucien9652]

Put on respect on your Name?

[@LaurenceWAFC]

WCF for sure

[@MrSuperman957]

GOATbert