Rudy Gobert Reacts to Timberwolves Having NBA’s Top Defense After 11 Games

The Minnesota Timberwolves are off to a hot start this season. They hold a record of 8-3 and look like one of the most complete teams in the NBA. The Timberwolves have been without star player Anthony Edwards for a short period of time now, and he's expected to miss up to two months. 

Still, this team has been able to adapt to the adversity and has been winning games in his absence. When Edwards got hurt, some people expected LaMelo Ball to take charge of this team, but instead, it has been a full team effort to replace his production. 

One of the most impressive things about this year's Timberwolves team has been the defense. As of now, they are the top-ranked team in the NBA in defense, and it shows how versatile and deep this team is. 

Timberwolves center and former four-time Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert was asked about Minnesota's great start to the season defensively, and he expressed his happiness with his team's effort. 

"One thing I'm really proud of is our rebounding. I think we're really taking that serious," Gobert said. 

"We understand that if we want to be a championship team, and if we want to be a great defensive team, we have to rebound."

The rebounding and intensity on the defensive side of the ball have been part of this team's identity under head coach Chris Finch for multiple seasons now. Finch has found a way to have his teams play really well defensively over the years, and that has continued in 2026. 

Rudy Gobert has had a hand in helping this team become the top defensive team in the league. So far, he's averaging almost 1 block per game, but he has been disruptive around the rim. He has always been able to bring interior presence to his teams in the past, and he's been a big asset to the Timberwolves in that area. 

Minnesota has other players who can defend really well. Forward Jonathan Kuminga provides good defense for this team because of his athleticism. He has the agility to keep up with a lot of talented forwards, and he can do it all on that end. 

Jaden McDaniels is another player who has been known to be one of the top defenders on this team for several seasons now, and he has stepped up his level of play on that end once again. 

If this team can continue to play with this much cohesion on both ends of the floor, they will be just fine not having Anthony Edwards for an extended period of time.