The Minnesota Timberwolves have gotten off to a solid 7-4 start to the season. Minnesota has been playing at top form this season, with players like Anthony Edwards, Julius Randle, and Rudy Gobert playing well while they fight to have Minnesota compete in the Western Conference. 

Gobert has been a steady presence on the Timberwolves for four seasons now, since joining Minnesota in 2022. Lately, he has been more explosive than ever, throwing down dunks and locking up opposing players in the paint. 

The three-time Defensive Player of the Year is integral to the Timberwolves' success, and he knows that more than anyone. While still elite last season, his performance on the court was somewhat of a departure from the dominance he's shown in the past. His early success this season is representative of the work he put in over the offseason and the mental readiness he's shown.

"If I don't overthink, things flow naturally. So it's been my mindset, you know, just be on the call. Just be present. Take it one position at a time, and also be great. Be the best in the world at what I do, which is obviously help this team be the best defense that we can be," Gobert said (via Timberwolves). 

Gobert's goal to be the "best in the world" at what he does is a bold one, but unfounded. There have been few defenders better in the NBA than Gobert since bursting onto the scene in 2013, and when he's on his game, there are truly few better. 

Minnesota has been tested recently with a stretch of three games in four days, and they responded to that competition on scarce rest with three straight wins. The Timberwolves are on a roll and show no signs of stopping. 

 "Good things happen when some of these games, when three games and four nights, or some of these games that are not always easy. When we look more tired, it requires for us to find it deeper inside of us, and that's when we need to care," Gobert said.

While they have been one of the best teams in recent years and continually make the playoffs, they keep coming short of the grand prize. The talent is there; it just needs to come together for an entire season and then some into the championships. 

Minnesota isn't just looking to beat the rest of the league; they're also looking to beat the worst version of themselves and hammer out their flaws as a team, something the French center is keenly aware of.

"I think now it's exciting to feel that we really understand that our competition is ourselves... if we focus on the little things, play the way we supposed to play as a team, which is moving the ball offensively and defensively, compete every minute."

The Timberwolves return to action on Friday against the Sacramento Kings at home.