Rudy Gobert Says Thunder Show ‘Mindset’ Timberwolves Want To Match

Rudy Gobert believes the Oklahoma City Thunder offer a blueprint for the type of approach the Minnesota Timberwolves are trying to build.

And he says it has less to do with talent and more to do with mentality.

“I think OKC is actually a great example of what we want to be,” Gobert said, via The Athletic’s Sam Amick. “I’m not talking about talent. I’m just talking about their mindset.”

Gobert pointed to the Thunder’s nightly effort and willingness to play for each other as the traits that stand out most. 

“They’re a team that plays hard every night, regardless of who is on the floor,” he said. “For 48 minutes.”

The Timberwolves have had their share of ups and downs this season, though they’ve fared well when facing Oklahoma City. They’ve won two of the three meetings between the teams so far. Last year, of course, the teams met in the West finals.

In fact, Minnesota is one of only two NBA teams to have reached the conference finals two years running (along with the Indiana Pacers).

Either way, for a Wolves team still searching for consistency, matching Oklahoma City’s approach might be the real goal.