Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert is not happy with the officiating that goes around in the NBA. He isn’t happy with how the officials are calling foul against him and his team. He was so furious that he went as far as saying that the officials provide unfair advantage to their opponents so that they can beat Minnesota.
Gobert blasted at the referees after the Timberwolves suffered 107-100 defeat against the Phoenix Suns. The Timberwolves only shot 12 free throws in the game whereas the Suns were handed 27 opportunities to get to the line. Devin Book who attempted 15 free throws personally crossed the Timberwolves tally singlehandedly. Hence there were questions from Rudy Gobert.
“It’s not fair. It’s really not fair. Every night. I’ve been in this league for 10 years and I try to always give the benefit of the doubt, but it’s hard for me to think (the referees) were not trying to help (the Suns) win tonight,” the Frenchman stated after their defeat.
The veteran center also pointed out that the NAB is helping other teams win matches. He accused the referees and the league to be bias toward top teams. He highlights how there were controversial calls in the recent games against the Golden State Warriors and Sacramento Kings. Gobert feels that he is long enough in the league to understand what’s transpiring.
“It is hard for me to think that they didn’t try to have the Warriors win the other night or the Sacramento Kings the other night,” Gobert said. “It is just so obvious as a basketball player. I have been in this league for so long, and it is disrespectful,” he added.
The Frenchman makes hugen allegations as he accuses the NBA of favouring bigger market teams over smaller market teams. He openly says that the NBA would want Kevin Durant or Stephen Curry to make it to the playoffs as it is good business for them.
“Unfortunately. It’s sad, but it’s good also. It’s really good. But it’s true. We understand that we’re not the biggest of the markets.I think you want to see (Durant) in the playoffs, Steph in the playoffs, you want to see LeBron in the playoffs. The Timberwolves are not there yet. We got to keep putting our head down, keep playing through that, and it’s frustrating for sure, especially for me,” Gobert highlighted.
After their defeat against the Phoenix Suns, the Timberwolves are in seventh spot in the Western Conference. They are sandwiched between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Warriors. With a 39-38 record, Gobert’s men will have to gather as many wins as possible to finish even higher and enter postseason.
