Rudy Gobert

Gobert, 31, joins Hall of Famers Ben Wallace and Dikembe Mutombo as the only players to earn the honor four times.

Gobert had three blocks and a game-high 13 rebounds in Minnesota's Game 1 win Saturday.

The much anticipated series between West giants showed why Minnesota will be a tough challenge for the champs.

The two teams know each other too well for any tricks or gimmicks to work when the series opens Saturday in Denver.

This isn't a fluke, Timberwolves fans. Minnesota is playing for something it hasn't done in years.

The Suns-Wolves series is not over, but Phoenix has issues that need immediate attention upon its return to the desert.

The Athletic's player poll states Gobert is the most overrated player, but he's the kind of player who needs to be experienced up close.

Journalists from The Athletic spoke to 142 players, from all 30 teams, for this year's edition of the poll.

"I realize the more uncomfortable I was, the more I was learning, the better I was getting," Gobert said.

You can build an All-Star team of players who aren’t qualified for awards this season, but here's how I think ballots should break down.

"Rudy is the reason we don’t lose," Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said.

The Wolves had one of those nights against the Suns, but recent slow first-quarter starts with poor shooting and turnovers are concerning.

The unsteadiness of the first season with Gobert has given way to a connection that seems to deepen by the day.

The All-NBA and All-Defensive teams will be positionless this season. How will that impact voters' choices?

Ignoring the off-court noise surrounding the franchise, the Wolves had one of their better games against the defending NBA champs.

The Warriors are trying to hold on to their past. The Timberwolves are trying to bury theirs.

Is the NBA's MVP race over? Which teams will avoid the Play-In in the East and West?

The fine covered Gobert’s flashing the money sign with both hands toward refs.