En Guard! Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert Hit With One-Game Ban As Flagrant Count Mounts

Last Updated:January 13, 2026, 07:59 IST

Rudy Gobert is suspended for one game after his sixth flagrant foul point, missing Minnesota Timberwolves’ clash with Milwaukee Bucks.

Rudy Gobert fights for the ball (AP)

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert has been suspended one game without pay after racking up his sixth flagrant foul point of the season, the NBA confirmed on Monday.

The incident came late in Sunday’s 104–103 win over the San Antonio Spurs, when Gobert was whistled for a Flagrant 1 after failing to give Victor Wembanyama space to land following a three-point attempt.

After review, officials ruled the closeout violated the league’s landing-space rules — triggering an automatic suspension under the NBA’s flagrant foul points system.

Gobert, however, insisted there was no malicious intent.

“It’s tough, because I try to be aggressive contesting shots in the heat of the moment,” Gobert told the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. “I don’t think there’s any intention of getting anybody hurt or putting people in dangerous situations. It’s a tough rule, but you’ve got to play through it.”

The 33-year-old will miss Tuesday’s road game against the Milwaukee Bucks, leaving Minnesota shorthanded as Anthony Edwards is also sidelined with right foot injury maintenance.

Despite the setback, Gobert joked he’ll still be involved.

“I’ll be watching from the couch just like y’all,” he said. “I’ll be tweeting, I’ll live tweet.”

Gobert has been a key presence for the Timberwolves this season, averaging 11.0 points, 11.4 rebounds (team-high) and 1.7 blocks, while shooting an elite 71.7% from the field. Minnesota sit 26–14, fourth in the Western Conference, and are in the midst of a demanding road stretch.

Crucially, Gobert is now on thin ice. Under NBA rules, every subsequent flagrant foul this season will result in another suspension — one game for a Flagrant 1, and two games for a Flagrant 2 or once he reaches seven points.

For Gobert, the margin for error just got even smaller.

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