Former NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas criticized Timberwolves defensive star Rudy Gobert for missing Monday’s Game 2 win against the Nuggets in their second-round playoff series due to the birth of his baby boy Monday morning.
“It’s a baby, bro. It’s gonna be there when you get back, we hope,” Arenas said on his “Gil’s Arena” show before Minnesota’s 106-80 road win to grab a 2-0 series lead. “I’m just saying, the baby, whatever you think you about to do, he going to be asleep.”
Gobert, the three-time Defensive Player of the Year, was questionable entering Monday’s game after his baby boy was born, according to ESPN.
There had been questions about whether he would travel to Denver for the game, the outlet reported.
Gobert and his girlfriend, Julia Bonilla, announced her pregnancy in February with an Instagram post showcasing Bonilla’s bump.
Explore More
Arenas, an 11-year veteran and father of four, believed Gobert should have been there for his team.
“I get you want to be with your wife and smile and stuff, and your good NBA healthcare insurance, it’s because of you playing,” he said.
He tweeted a clip of his take with the caption: ” Rudy missin’ playoff games for…a baby? ????????????????????????????????????????????????.”
Gilbert Arenas criticized Rudy Gobert for missing Game 2. @GilsArenaShow/X Gobert tallied six points, 13 rebounds, three assists and three blocks in Minnesota’s 106-99 win in Game 1, and is averaging 13.2 points, 11.4 rebounds and 1.2 blocks this postseason.
The Timberwolves did not need him in their stunning dismantling of the reigning champions in Game 2.
Minnesota grabbed a 61-35 halftime lead and led by 22 points entering the fourth quarter to put Denver in a precarious spot as the series shifts to Minneapolis.
Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns paced the Timberwolves with 27 points each, while Jamaal Murray shot 3-for-18 while scoring just six points.
Game 3 is set for Friday night and the Timberwolves are now the betting favorites to represent the Western Conference in the NBA Finals.
