Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert. Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

Timberwolves’ Rudy Gobert demands 'accountability' after deflating loss to Pelicans

By Yagya Bhargava | Last updated Feb 7, 2026 10:03 AM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves blew an 18-point lead Friday night and lost to the New Orleans Pelicans, 119-115. It's becoming a pattern, especially against teams they should be beating.

After the game, Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert had some things to say about it. When reporters asked why the Timberwolves bring energy against top teams but disappear against weaker opponents, Gobert didn't sugarcoat it.

The three-time All-Star said it boils down to how the team approaches those games.

"We played the right way first half, for the most part," Gobert said. "We play hard and we up 18 and come out to the third and we jog back. We don't contest shots. I mean, there is just no effort, and we've seen that many, many times this year, the last few years since I've been here.

"And we always know it's coming, and when it comes, there's no sense of urgency, no accountability. So I think at some point if the players don't have accountability, someone else got to have accountability for the players."

Timberwolves' Rudy Gobert puts spotlight on effort

The recent stretch has been up-and-down for the Timberwolves. Minnesota dropped five straight games from Jan. 16-25, though it is 5-2 since.

Gobert called for accountability, but his own numbers tell a story. He averaged 9.8 points, 11.4 rebounds, 1.2 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.7 blocks across the last 10 games.

Against the Pelicans, he finished with 12 points, 16 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and two blocks. After the loss, he made it clear that the team needs someone to step in if players won't hold themselves to a standard.

"It's not something that you want to do," Gobert added, "but I think if the players don't show any efforts, at some point, no matter how talented we are as a team, if you don't have that, we just can't be a winning team. It starts with me. If I'm not showing effort, take me out the game."

Minnesota's next five games are up against the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers. Maybe Gobert speaking up will give the team a spark. The Timberwolves sit sixth in the Western Conference with a 32-21 record.

Yagya Bhargava

Yagya Bhargava began his professional journey as a chef, but his passion for sports eventually led him into sports journalism. He started writing in 2022 and has since published more than 5,000 articles covering the NFL and NBA. Along the way, he’s worked with outlets like The Cold Wire, Sportskeeda, The SportsRush, and The Big Lead

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