In a thrilling 119-116 victory for the Minnesota Timberwolves over the Denver Nuggets, an amusing post-game anecdote between Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert highlighted just how cerebral Nikola Jokic is on the court. During a crucial fourth-quarter play, Jokic somehow knew the exact play the Timberwolves had drawn up during a timeout, calling out each movement and effectively dismantling it before Minnesota even executed it.
The incident left both Edwards and Gobert stunned, and they couldn’t help but laugh in disbelief as they recounted the moment after the game.
Anthony Edwards: “Was just telling how this motherf***er knew this play.”
Rudy Gobert: “That was crazy. Jokic knew the play but we didn’t say anything. He knew the play better than us. The one after the timeout. Ant, when was that?”
Anthony Edwards: “It was in the fourth.”
Rudy Gobert: “After the timeout?”
Anthony Edwards: “Yeah, right after the timeout, me and Rudy line up. This mothef***er… Me and Rudy looked at each other and how the f**k do he know, because nobody said nothing.”
Rudy Gobert: “We said nothing.”
The play occurred following a Timberwolves timeout late in the game. As Edwards and Gobert lined up for the out-of-bounds set, Jokic started calling out the play, instructing his teammates on where to move and how to counter each step. To their astonishment, Jokic’s directions were spot-on, leading to the Nuggets forcing a turnover. The surreal moment left Edwards and Gobert visibly bewildered, and the two couldn’t hold back their amazement when discussing it afterward.
Anthony Edwards shared his reaction with a mixture of awe and humor. Rudy, the big man, explained that it wasn’t as if the Timberwolves had given away any signals; Jokic somehow anticipated the entire setup.
The incident underscored Jokic’s remarkable basketball IQ. Known for his unselfish play and skillful passing, Jokic also demonstrates an uncanny ability to read the game, often seeing plays unfold before they happen. His understanding of his opponents’ strategies gives him a unique edge, allowing him to preemptively position himself and his teammates to disrupt plays, as he did so effectively against Minnesota.
Despite the Timberwolves’ temporary setback from Jokic’s defensive intuition, they ultimately regrouped and secured the victory. Edwards led Minnesota with 29 points, including a crucial go-ahead floater with just 25.7 seconds remaining, while Gobert played a significant role on both ends with 17 points, 14 rebounds, and a game-sealing defensive stop against Jokic in the final seconds. Minnesota’s success in overcoming Denver’s late comeback was a testament to their resilience, even when Jokic’s brilliance threatened to derail their efforts.
While Jokic’s recognition of Minnesota’s ATO (after timeout) play highlighted his exceptional intellect, it also showcased the competitive spirit between the two teams. Edwards and Gobert’s playful recount of the moment illustrated the blend of respect and rivalry that Jokic inspires among his opponents.
In a league where individual brilliance often makes headlines, it’s moments like these—when a player’s mental acumen elevates the game—that show how the NBA is as much a chess match as it is a physical competition.
The Timberwolves will undoubtedly review their playbook to add some variety in future matchups, especially against cerebral opponents like Jokic. As for Edwards and Gobert, their mutual laughter and disbelief over the situation showed they’re more than ready to take on the challenge, knowing that facing a mind as sharp as Jokic’s requires an adaptable and unpredictable game plan.
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