The Minnesota Timberwolves earned their second consecutive win on Monday night, moving to 4-3 overall by defeating the Brooklyn Nets 125-109, thanks to a 34-21 advantage in the fourth quarter. Another key for the Timberwolves in Monday’s win was the performance of Rudy Gobert, who was a force on both ends of the floor in his best game of the season so far.

Gobert scored a season-high 15 points, making all six of his attempts from the field. The 7’1 Frenchman also grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds, including four on the offensive glass, and was a team-high +27 for the Timberwolves when he was on the floor. 

With the Timberwolves finding their rhythm on both ends of the floor, Gobert credited the team’s improved defense for their dominant performance across their last two games. 

“I think we're trending to be who we are,” Gobert said. “For the most part, we're being focused on the right thing. Obviously, our defense and just competing. Competing on the little things. You know, our transition (defense), our ball pressure has been a lot better. And obviously, myself, setting the tone for the team.”

Setting The Tone

Gobert certainly set the tone for the Timberwolves on Monday night. The highlights of the night from the Timberwolves were a pair of alley-oop lobs that their starting center was on the receiving end of. Gobert believes the alley oop is a play the Timberwolves are uniquely designed to execute, and they are a better team when he’s able to attack and make those plays.

“I think when we play the right way and the ball is moving, the ball comes to me,” Gobert said. And obviously, it's on me to put a lot of pressure on the ball and make plays in the pocket when teams put two on the ball. A lot of it comes with me being poised and aggressive, and a lot of it comes, obviously, from my teammates. 

“They're looking for me. (Monday) was probably the most lobs I've got. It's such an easy play for me and for my teammates. To be able to make that play consistently, I think it's a big weapon for our team. It just takes us to a different level offensively.”

When asked by a reporter whether he’s making an effort to be more aggressive at the rim this season, given the advantages it gives the Timberwolves as a team, Gobert explained that he was.

“For sure (I’m being more aggressive on dunks),” Gobert said. “I mean, for sure, I try to just be dominant. I think those plays bring a lot of energy from my teammates. And it's fun. It's fun to make some big plays, and it's who I am.”