New dad Rudy Gobert to miss Game 2 but history shows he could have big return
Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert.
Minnesota center Rudy Gobert welcomed a new baby Monday morning. Based on recent playoff history, the Timberwolves could be getting a supercharged Gobert when he returns.
In the 2022 Eastern Conference Finals, Derrick White missed Game 2 due to the birth of his child.
When White returned, he delivered eight steals and three blocks in Games 4 to 6, upping his scoring to 16.3 points per game. Still buzzing from fatherhood, he made five three-pointers and scored 21 points in Boston’s comeback win in Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
Fred VanVleet got a baby boost back in the 2019 conference finals. Three games into Toronto’s series with Milwaukee, VanVleet was shooting 20 percent from the field and 2-for-11 from three-point range. After the birth of his son, Fred Jr., VanVleet broke out, shooting 14-of-17 from deep in the next three games, averaging 16 points.
Will Gobert see the same statistical leap? We’ll have to see if he’ll play Game 3.
Although Gobert is out for Game 2, don’t be surprised if he registers double-digit blocks or dunks when he returns. That’s just fatherly pride shining through.
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