The Minnesota Timberwolves were able to remain perfect in 2026, securing a 141-115 win over the Washington Wizards on Sunday night to end their four-game road trip 3-1 before heading back to Minnesota to face the Miami Heat on Tuesday. It was yet another strong performance from Anthony Edwards, who led the way with 35 points.

It wasn't much of a contest after the first quarter, as the Timberwolves' lead grew to as many as 37 points. Julius Randle also continued his strong play, adding 22 points in just 25 minutes of action. However, the unsung hero for the Timberwolves this season, who hasn't gotten enough credit, is Rudy Gobert.

Gobert finished the contest with 18 points and 14 rebounds, while also adding four blocks on top of it. Making a case this season as the best defender in the NBA, it's hard to imagine voters will be willing to select the 33-year-old for a fifth Defensive Player of the Year award.

After the game, head coach Chris Finch had high praise for his star in the middle.

"I think he's playing the best basketball he's ever played for us because he's playing it at both ends of the floor. He's doing a great job. We're trusting him a lot better. We're finding him, as you mentioned, but he's playing on balance and strong when he gets that ball in and around the paint," Finch said.

Gobert's best prior season game in 2023-24 with the Timberwolves, where he was Defensive Player of the Year, averaging 14.0 points and 12.9 rebounds. Now, he's leading the league in field goal percentage at over 71%, as well as ranking in the Top 10 in defensive win shares.

"And his defense has been elite. Games like this, traditionally, does not let us lose," he added.

Gobert isn't a flashy player and tends to see far more criticism than praise from fans around the league. The Timberwolves did give up a lot to get him back in 2022, but it's a move that has led them to two straight Western Conference Finals appearances.

If he can continue to anchor this Top 10 defensive unit and contribute offensively from time to time, the Timberwolves just need to iron out some other areas of their roster, and they are legit contenders yet again this season.

Minnesota returns to action on Tuesday against the Heat, with tip-off set for 8:00 p.m. EST.