Rudy Gobert Dominant Inside, Minnesota Defeats Golden State Without Anthony Edwards
Dec 12, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) gestures toward the Timberwolves bench during the third quarter against the Golden State Warriors at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Robert Edwards-Imagn Images
Rudy Gobert (7’1″, 33 years old) once again demonstrated his importance in the NBA paint. Playing at Golden State, the French center was one of the key architects of the Minnesota Timberwolves’ success (127-120) against the Warriors, in a game marked by intensity, suspense and 27 lead changes. Without Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley, the Wolves found their solutions inside, where Golden State suffered greatly.
Minnesota Imposes Its Will in the Paint
From the opening tip, the Timberwolves displayed their game plan. Without Anthony Edwards, Minnesota attacked the rim, relying on an aggressive Julius Randle and Rudy Gobert’s physical dominance. The Frenchman quickly imposed his impact on the boards and in finishing, allowing his team to stay ahead despite Stephen Curry’s scoring (28-27 after the first quarter).
Naz Reid then took over off the bench to maintain pressure, but Gobert’s absence during certain sequences allowed the Warriors to attack the rim more easily. Golden State, led by the Pat Spencer – Quinten Post duo, took the lead at halftime (63-61), despite combined efforts from Randle and Jaden McDaniels on the Minnesota side.
RUDY GOBERT POSTER.
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) December 13, 2025
The Gobert – Randle Duo Makes the Difference
Coming out of halftime, the Wolves clearly raised their defensive intensity. Two forced turnovers and a quick 6-0 run gave Minnesota back the lead, with an authoritative Rudy Gobert finishing near the rim. Stephen Curry tried to regain control with a sequence of layup, three-pointer and mid-range shot, but Julius Randle immediately responded.
The Wolves’ power forward initiated a 9-0 run, punctuated by outside shots from Jaden McDaniels and Donte DiVincenzo, to give Minnesota breathing room. Jimmy Butler, quiet until then, had more impact allowing the Warriors to finish the third quarter on a 12-3 run and enter the final period with a slim lead (91-88).
Stephen Curry Too Isolated in Crunch Time
In the fourth quarter, Minnesota struck hard. The young duo of Rob Dillingham – Terrence Shannon Jr. launched a 20-5 run to swing the game (108-96). Stephen Curry, excellent in his return after missing five games, tried everything. With 39 points total, he ignited the Chase Center again by hitting two consecutive three-pointers to give Golden State back the lead (115-114).
But the final two minutes belonged to the Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert first regained the lead with a powerful dunk, before Donte DiVincenzo, a former Warrior, punished his ex-team with a decisive three-pointer with 28 seconds remaining. A final 11-3 run sealed Minnesota’s victory.
With 24 points and 14 rebounds, Rudy Gobert dominated the paint, perfectly supported by Julius Randle (27 points, 9 rebounds, 6 assists) and Donte DiVincenzo (21 points). A statement win for the Wolves, who confirm their solidity even without their offensive star.
Nolan Traore Returned to Action, But Like Other French Players He Lost
Recalled by the Brooklyn Nets, Nolan Traore (6’3″, 19 years old) played in the NBA again, a month later. In 8 minutes 48 seconds, the rookie point guard couldn’t make an impact (1 rebound, 2 missed shots) and his team lost 119-111 to Dallas, but he’s back to gain experience.
The other French players who saw action this Friday all lost. Zaccharie Risacher (10 points on 5/8, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in 27 minutes) and Atlanta were blown out by the Eastern Conference leader, Detroit (142-115). Meanwhile, Moussa Diabate (2 points on 1/2 and 3 rebounds in 12 minutes) and Tidjane Salaun (5 points on 2/5, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals in 17 minutes) came close with Charlotte but the Hornets fell to the Bulls (126-129).
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