Minnesota Timberwolves Suspend Rudy Gobert for Play-In Game vs LA Lakers After Punching Kyle Anderson

• The Minnesota Timberwolves handed Rudy Gobert a one-game suspension
• The Frenchman will miss the Wolves’ Play-In game against the Los Angeles Lakers
• Gobert punched teammate Kyle Anderson during a timeout in their last regular season game

Rudy Gobert will miss Minnesota’s most important game of the season.

The Timberwolves announced on Monday that they had suspended Rudy Gobert for one game following his scuffle with Kyle Anderson during their game against the New Orleans Pelicans.

Gobert will be sidelined for the Wolves’ Play-In tournament opener against the Los Angeles Lakers.

Gobert threw a punch at Anderson during a timeout in the second quarter of Sunday’s game against the Pelicans, per ESPN.

Gobert sent home after scuffle

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The former Jazz center raised his arm toward Anderson during their heated exchange. Gobert appeared to hit the former Spurs player in the chest with his hand while the Wolves were in a huddle.

Coaches and players separated Gobert and Anderson, with the former escorted to the locker room.

Minnesota’s president of basketball operations, Tim Connelly, issued a statement about the incident, saying that Gobert was sent home after the fight as his behavior on the bench was unacceptable.

Gobert issues apology

Gobert also released a statement regarding the flap, saying that emotions got the best of him, and he should not have reacted the way he did, regardless of what was said.

He added that he wanted to apologize to the fans, the organization, and Kyle, someone he truly loves and respects as a teammate.

Anderson said he didn’t think he and Gobert would have trouble getting along moving forward, as both of them want to win games.

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Gobert to miss Lakers game

Gobert’s actions have come at the worst time for the Wolves, who will face LeBron James and the Lakers in the Play-In tournament without their starting center.

He averaged 13.4 points and 11.6 rebounds per game this 2022-23 regular season.

Gobert will be available to play if Minnesota loses in the Play-In to the Lakers or advances to the Western Conference playoffs.

Gobert and Anderson's heated exchange

Sports Brief recently reported on Gobert and Anderson’s fight.

Anderson reportedly told Gobert to block some shots. The Frenchman responded by telling Anderson to grab a rebound.

Things got out of hand when Gobert lost his temper, punching his teammate in the chest and telling him to 'shut the [expletive] up'.