Deprived of three holders (Trae Young, Jalen Johnson and Dyson Daniels), the Hawks still gave a hard time to the wolves of a large Rudy Gobertauthor of 18 points, 10 rebounds and 2 counters.
Already very good against Nikola Jokic, we find the French from the start of the game for an alley-oop. As promised by his teammates, the Frenchman is served when he asks for the ball, and as in front of the Nuggets, the Wolves quickly take control: 13 – 2 with four counters, including two for Gobert. Opposite, Zaccharie Risacher makes a very complicated return, and absences weigh heavy on the Atlanta side. On a dunk, this same Gobert gives 11 points ahead (28-17).
At the same time where Risacher finally finds the target, the wolves decide to change the gear. Anthony Edwards plays just, and Gobert continues his project. Result, Minnesota spends an 11-0 to lead from 16 points (51-35). At halftime, the gap is made: +17 for Minnesota (60-43). The problem, with the Wolves, is that they still have a hard time killing a match.
Risacher is gaining momentum
It is risking on a dunk and 3-point that gives hope to Atlanta, and it is from'Andre Hunter who takes over. The candidate for the best 6th man trophy proves that he can play the “go-to-guy” and he responds from the tac-au-tac to Edwards. The Wolves lose balloon, and are missing five of their last six shots. And this is how Atlanta returns to -6 to attack the last quarter (80-74).
It is Julius Randle who gives air to the Wolves with six points in a row (90-76). By his side, Gobert continues to chain the Alley-Oop, but the Hawks hang on. Edwards, like Gobert, lets free throwing, and Atlanta remains in contact. Less than two minutes from the end, Hunter brings his own to -6 (98-92), but behind, he misses a dunk in front of Rudy Gobert. It was a basket to return to four points. Finally, the Wolves won 100-92 for a 3rd victory in a row.
What to remember
– Gobert shows the muscles. Three minutes before half-time, Gobert Dunké on ONYEKA OKONGWU, and the two interiors then heated. To the point that they had to be separated. Result, a technical fault each.
Rudy Gobert Pokes It On Onyeka Okongwu Following Elite Two-Man Game from Rudy and Mike Conley.
Gobert then Stares Down Okongwu, who Takes It Personally. A Little Scuffle, if you even want to call it that, between the two unfolds. pic.twitter.com/whltm1mgyf
– Charlie Walton (@Charlietaltonmn) January 28, 2025
– Gobert avoids the worst. While joining his bench at the end of the 1st quarter, Gobert almost was knocked out by an object. It is an element of the Jumbotron which fell at its feet!
Piece of the Jumbotron Falls, Almost Hits Rudy Gobert pic.twitter.com/ql2khz7gwe
– Timberwolves Clips (@wolvesclips) January 28, 2025
– Career record for Hunter. Author of a big 3rd quarter, De'Andre Hunter wins his best personal brand with 35 points at 12 out of 21 on the shots at the bench.
How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = minutes; Shots = successful shots / tempted shots; 3pts = 3-point / 3-point attempted; LF = Successful free throws / tempted free throws; Off = offensive rebound; Def = defensive rebound; Tot = Total rebounds; PD = assists; FTE: Personal faults; Int = interceptions; BP = lost bullets; CT: against; Pts = points.
