Celebrated for his exceptional defensive value in regular-season games, NBA star Rudy Gobert found himself on the wrong end of a critique after an underwhelming performance in Game 4 of their Round 2 series.
The articulate criticisms were none other than ESPN’s Kendrick Perkins. The Minnesota Timberwolves had many high expectations from Gobert, the four-time Defensive Player of the Year, in Game 4.
Unfortunately, he failed to meet these hopes as the NBA playoffs unfolded. In spite of his game-high 14 rebounds and 11 points from 60.% shooting, his overall performance was not convincing.
The opposing Denver Nuggets, on the other hand, had a field day. Key players, including the Nuggets’ own star big man Nikola Jokic and forward Aaron Gordon, considerably outperformed Gobert.
Jokic scored a team-high 35 points, aided by seven rebounds, seven assists, and three steals, shooting at an incredible 57.7%.
Gordon was not far behind, adding a whopping 27 points with a 91.7% shooting. The Utah Jazz had held Denver to an average of 89.5 points per game in the first two games of the Round 2 series.
However, the Nuggets came back stronger in Game 3 and 4, managing to increase their points to an average of 116. ppg.
This raised questions about Gobert’s fluctuating defensive value. Not one to stay quiet, Perkins voiced his concerns about Gobert’s varying performance levels via Twitter following Utah Jazz’s consecutive home losses.
“I just don’t understand how Gobert goes from DPOY to a defensive liability. I mean damn!” Perkins said.
I just don’t understand how Gobert go from DPOY to a defensive liability. I mean damn!
— Kendrick Perkins (@KendrickPerkins) May 13, 2024
Perkins highlighted the popular sentiment in the minds of sports enthusiasts around the world. If Gobert is the esteemed DPOY, why does his performance take a hit during playoff time?
"Isn't Rudy Gobert the DPOY? Why is it all the time he's the DPOY in the regular season but he's a defensive liability come playoff time?"
👀 @KendrickPerkins pic.twitter.com/vLMa8riR0k
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) May 13, 2024
“Isn’t Rudy Gobert the DPOY?” Perkins questioned on Twitter. He went on to add, “Why is it all the time he’s the DPOY in the regular season but he’s a defensive liability come playoff time?” I’m tired of the man playing sassy.”
