Rudy Gobert is the undisputed starter for the Minnesota Timberwolves but on Monday in win against the San Antonio Spurs, head coach Chris Finch decided to stick with Naz Reid instead of the 7-footer French man.
The Wolves used a 36-19 surge in the fourth quarter to fend off the Spurs who were playing without Victor Wembanyama. They went 55-35 since the time Gobert sat out in the remaining 5 minutes of the third quarter with Reid taking over as a center.
The switch made by Finch was effective and this prompted some fans that maybe he should change things up. That Reid should be a starter.
The player himself said it is all about doing what’s best for the team. He also believes that they got a roster where anybody can be a starter.
“We all know we got a bunch of guys that could start on any team but we’re all here. I think another version of selfless is knowing the time and situation and what person is on and I’m going to respect that,” he told reporters when asked about Gobert’s benching.
“We’ve been here long enough to understand it — being happy for that next person. And I think Rudy was happy. And that’s how it should be. I think we all have that same type of feeling.”
Reid, the 2024 Sixth Man of the Year, played a total of 30 minutes and produced 15 points, five rebounds, three assists, and 2 blocks. Gobert, meanwhile, had eight points and eight rebounds in 24 minutes.
Anthony Edwards led everyone with his 32 points which put him no. 1 on the list of Timberwolves players with most 30-point game.
Rudy Gobert will be okay, says Finch
Will Reid getting the minutes during crunch time be a regular sight for Wolves fans? Finch does not want to conclude as he insisted that it was just an in-game adjustment for them.
“We’ve always said we’re gonna play the lineups that work,” he said.
“And 90% of those times Rudy is driving great defense and a lot of good things.”
The Wolves went on 55 to 35 run to close tonight’s game — all with Rudy Gobert off the floor. Asked Chris Finch what went into making that decision.
“We’ve always said we’re gonna play the lineups that work. And 90% of those times Rudy is driving great defense and a lot of good… pic.twitter.com/mGvWrpJJZI
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) December 1, 2025
Finch also said that Gobert, who is regarded as among their leaders, is more of a result guy rather than someone who cares about his minutes.
Rudy has played a ton of basketball. He’ll be fine. He’s happy the team won — and that’s the most important thing.”
Next up for the Wolves are the New Orleans Pelicans who they will meet two straight times in three days.
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