Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert. Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Rudy Gobert rips referees in fiery rant, says there's a conspiracy against Wolves

By Dylan Williams | Last updated 3/30/23

Following a critical loss to Phoenix Suns on Wednesday night, Minnesota Timberwolves star Rudy Gobert sounded off about a familiar topic for fans and players: calls by game officials.

"It's not fair. It's really not fair," he told the media. "Every night. I have been in the league for 10 years, and I try to give the benefit of the doubt, but it is hard for me to think that they are not trying to help the [Phoenix Suns] win tonight."

The Timberwolves had only 12 free-throw attempts. Meanwhile, the Suns had 27, making 21. With the 107-100 loss, Minnesota fell to 39-38.

"It is hard for me to think that they didn't try to have the Warriors win the other night or the Sacramento Kings the other night," Gobert said, referencing recent games against the teams. "It is just so obvious as a basketball player. I have been in this league for so long and it is disrespectful."

Here's Rudy Gobert commenting on the officiating not just tonight but overall as it pertains to the Timberwolves. Referred to it as "disrespectful," among other things. Full quote for context: https://t.co/RUeHs4JePL pic.twitter.com/CSHT6pPH1w
— Chris Hine (@ChristopherHine) March 30, 2023

Player-referee relations are often rocky. March has been especially tense on that front.

After receiving a technical foul in a game, Toronto's Fred VanVleet sounded off on official Ben Taylor in a postgame news conference. The NBA fined Suns head coach Monty Williams $20,000 for criticizing officials after a loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.

As for Gobert and the Timberwolves, they are clinging to the seventh seed in the crowded Western Conference playoff picture.

Minnesota is only a game behind Golden State for the sixth seed but a half-game ahead of the eighth-seeded Los Angeles Lakers. Teams seeded seventh to 10th qualify for the play-in tournament.

The first round of the playoffs begins April 15. Expect more player-game official fireworks before then.

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