Rudy Gobert faced scrutiny during a recent NBA game for an incident that resulted in a technical foul. The game, played on November 27, 2025, featured the Minnesota Timberwolves against the Oklahoma City Thunder in Oklahoma City.
Details of the Incident
About a minute into the second quarter, Gobert was penalized after flailing his right arm while attempting to secure a rebound. Oklahoma City player Isaiah Hartenstein fell to the ground following the contact, prompting questions about the severity of Gobert’s actions.
Analysis of the Contact
Video replays indicated that any contact made by Gobert was minimal. The reactions observed from Hartenstein appeared disproportionate to the level of contact. Doris Burke, an analyst for ESPN, noted this discrepancy, questioning if even a slight touch had occurred.
- Incident: Technical foul on Rudy Gobert
- Date: November 27, 2025
- Teams: Minnesota Timberwolves vs. Oklahoma City Thunder
- Location: Oklahoma City
- Duration of stoppage: Nearly 7 minutes
Reactions and Officiating Decisions
The officiating crew conducted a review for any possible hostile actions, concluding there was none. However, Josh Tiven, the crew chief, confirmed the technical foul remained due to Gobert’s flailing of his arm, which they deemed excessive.
Broadcasters and viewers criticized the decision. Play-by-play announcer Dave Pasch suggested that Minnesota believed Hartenstein had exaggerated the incident. Social media also buzzed with discussions about the controversial nature of the call, with fans labeling it one of the most egregious flops seen.
Game Outcome and Impact
Following the incident, Minnesota challenged a loose ball foul called against Gobert, which was overturned successfully. Despite the controversies, the Thunder maintained a lead, finishing the first half ahead of the Timberwolves, 49-39.
This incident highlights the ongoing debate in the NBA regarding flopping and the interpretation of player actions during games. The focus on Gobert’s technical foul raises questions about consistency in officiating and the challenges officials face in making split-second decisions.
