Instant Replay: Rudy Gobert Throws Punch At Timberwolves Teammate

SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Jazz and current Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert threw a punch at one of his teammates during a sideline conversation.

The Wolves hosted the New Orleans Pelicans for their regular season finale on Sunday, April 9.

In a huddle on Minnesota’s sideline during a timeout, Gobert and Kyle Anderson were in a heated discussion before the three-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year went at his teammate.

RELATED: Why Do NBA Players Take Shots At Rudy Gobert?

Gobert threw a punch at Anderson before teammates separate the duo. The former Jazzman was pushed by Taurean Prince during the scuffle.

Rudy Gobert throws a punch AT HIS OWN TEAMMATE in a must win game for the Wolves.

This trade keeps getting worse for the Timberwolves.

Have to think Minnesota suspends him for a game at least, and that’s a huge blow for the play-in. 🤦🏻‍♂️

pic.twitter.com/yFiVPQqSv5

— Ben Anderson (@BensHoops) April 9, 2023

The center was escorted off the court following the incident, according to ESPN’s Andrew Lopez.

“Rudy Gobert was escorted to the back after having the physical altercation with Kyle Anderson,” Lopez tweeted. “Video shows Gobert throwing a punch at Anderson and then teammates separating the two.”

Rudy Gobert was escorted to the back after having the physical altercation with Kyle Anderson.

Video shows Gobert throwing a punch at Anderson and then teammates separating the two.

— Andrew Lopez (@_Andrew_Lopez) April 9, 2023

A short time later, The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported that the Timberwolves sent Gobert home early and ruled him out for the rest of the game.

“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,” the NBA insider tweeted.

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

Rudy Gobert is OUT for the remainder of tonight's game.

— Timberwolves PR (@Twolves_PR) April 9, 2023

The Timberwolves also ruled out Jaden McDaniels, who punched a wall as he walked into the tunnel during the game. Minnesota said McDaniels had a right hand injury.

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

At halftime, the Wolves trailed the Pelicans, 55-47. During the first 24 minutes of game time, Gobert had two points on 1-1 field goals. He added three rebounds in 13 minutes on the court. Anderson had four points, four rebounds, one assist, and a steal in 17 minutes.

This season, Gobert is averaging 13.6 points, 11.8 rebounds, 1.3 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 0.8 steals in 30.9 minutes per contest.

The T-Wolves acquired the big man in a trade with the Jazz in July 2022.

Minnesota is currently in ninth place in the Western Conference standings with a 41-40 record. The Timberwolves clinched a berth in the play-in tournament prior to their game against the Pelicans.

Minnesota’s game against New Orleans is broadcast on NBA League Pass.

Follow @kyleireland