The Minnesota Timberwolves remain in the Western Conference playoff picture, but a recent losing streak has raised concerns about their defensive identity.
Speaking with Mark Medina of RG, Rudy Gobert pointed to defense as the foundation that must carry Minnesota through a difficult stretch late in the season.
“We just lost three games in a row, and obviously not in a good way,” Gobert said. “We’re going through a tough stretch right now. But on the big picture, the goal is still the same. The goal is to win a championship.”
Minnesota sits 40–26 and holds the sixth spot in the Western Conference standings. The margin between the middle playoff seeds remains tight, which increases the importance of consistent defensive execution.
The French center said the team needs to return to its defensive identity after allowing opponents to dictate the pace in recent games.
“We have to really go back to the basics with who we are, what we want to be as a team and what is our identity,” Gobert said. “Our identity? What we do to put ourselves in a position to win every night is defense.”
Gobert’s impact around the rim has been central to Minnesota’s system. When he is on the floor, opposing offenses often avoid attacking the paint.
“When I’m out there, obviously teams aren’t going to attack the rim more,” he explained. “So I think it’s about our overall mindset about putting our minds into defense. It’s about having each other’s back and communicating with each other.”
The veteran added that defensive intensity often fuels offensive rhythm, particularly in transition.
“When we do that, we end up playing better offensively,” Gobert said. “We’re just playing with flow and competing with defense. We also are able to get advantages in transition. That creates a lot of easy baskets and puts us in a situation to win.”
Gobert is averaging 10.8 points, 11.3 rebounds and 1.6 blocks in 63 games this season while shooting over 70 percent from the field. His defensive presence has again placed him in the conversation for the league’s top defender.
“I do think when it comes to impacting a team on that end of the floor, I do think that I’m up there,” Gobert said. “That’s who I want to be every night – being the most impactful defensive player in the world.”
The race for Defensive Player of the Year also includes Victor Wembanyama of the San Antonio Spurs. Gobert praised the young center’s development and said their competition remains friendly.
“He’s been getting better and better,” Gobert said. “He’s having an amazing year, collectively and individually… Hopefully we get to face each other in the playoffs.”
Gobert added that their relationship extends beyond competition. The Timberwolves center described mentoring Wembanyama in areas such as recovery, health, and daily habits.
“Victor is passionate about health, recovery, and the mental aspect of the game,” Gobert said. “It shows how smart he is. But it also shows how dedicated he is to every aspect of greatness.”
Gobert also pointed to the continued growth of Anthony Edwards, who leads Minnesota with 29.4 points per game. The center believes the All-Star guard still has another step to reach.
“He has another gear in him,” Gobert said. “He has to take that step between just being a really good fun player to watch and really great scorer into being a winning player, a championship-winning player.”
As the regular season enters its final stretch, Gobert said the focus inside Minnesota’s locker room remains unchanged.
“Once again, we’re trying to win a championship,” Gobert said.
