A Rudy Gobert “money” gesture on Friday toward an official is likely to draw the NBA’s wrath, but the Minnesota Timberwolves center said that his action would be worth every penny.
Gobert was called for a technical foul in the closing seconds of regulation time in the Timberwolves’ 113-104 overtime loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers when he rubbed his fingers together several times, implying that referee Scott Foster might be on the take.
After being whistled for his sixth foul and being disqualified, Gobert stayed on the floor and made the gesture as Foster was going to the scorers’ table. Foster did not see Gobert, but official Natalie Sago did and issued the technical on Gobert.
Photo: Ken Blaze-USA Today
Following the game, Gobert said that gambling could be having a major impact on the outcome of games.
“I’ll bite the bullet again,” Gobert said. “I’ll be the bad guy. I’ll take the fine, but I think it’s hurting our game. I know the betting and all that is becoming bigger and bigger, but it shouldn’t feel that way.”
Gobert’s actions and remarks are almost certain to be reviewed by the league. He faces a possible fine and suspension.
His technical allowed the Cavaliers to tie the game.
Minnesota assistant coach Micah Nori, who filled in when Timberwolves coach Chris Finch fell ill just before tipoff, was critical of Gobert’s behavior.
“A technical foul with 27 seconds in the game, to be honest, is unacceptable,” Nori said. “That’s who Rudy is, but you’ve got to be smart. He made a visual that was automatic. He was obviously frustrated — both teams were — but we have to be smarter.”
Gobert, who finished with 17 rebounds in 37 minutes, agreed he has to keep his composure.
“My reaction, which I think was the truth, but it wasn’t the time to react that way,” he said.
“It cost my team the game. It was an immature reaction,” he added.
The officiating crew was bad the entire game, he said.
“It’s not just one call,” Gobert said. “Everyone makes mistakes, but when it’s over and over and over again, of course it’s frustrating.”
Elsewhere on Friday, it was:
‧ 76ers 95, Pelicans 103
‧ Grizzlies 92, Hawks 99
‧ Knicks 98, Magic 74
‧ Lakers 123, Bucks 122
‧ Thunder 107, Heat 100
‧ Trail Blazers 107, Rockets 123
‧ Wizards 112, Hornets 100
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