"He Has to Pay the Price!" Gober Offended by Defensive Player of the Year Snub, Ironically Comments on Jokic Matchups

Pulse Sports Team 13:11 - 21 April 2026

French center Rudy Gobert, despite delivering solid defense against Nikola Jokic in the first two playoff games, couldn't hide his disappointment at not being named NBA Defensive Player of the Year for the fourth time. The award went to his younger compatriot, Victor Wembanyama, a decision that clearly stung the Minnesota big man.

Following their second victory in Denver, reporters pressed Gober for his thoughts on not being among the top three candidates for Defensive Player of the Year. With a wry smile, he responded:

- It's not the first time I've been disrespected, and probably not the last. I know who I am. If they want to disrespect greatness or take it for granted, that's their business. But they understand my impact, Gober stated.

His dissatisfaction became even more apparent when asked to comment on several successful defensive plays against Nikola Jokic in the fourth quarter. Gober, with noticeable irony, curtly replied:

I was lucky. I'm not in the top 3 defensive players in the league, so that means I was lucky.

Wembanjama became the youngest recipient of the Defensive Player of the Year award in league history. Chet Holmgren of Oklahoma City and Ausar Thompson of Detroit finished behind him.

Gober on Strategy Against Jokic: "He Has to Pay the Price"

The playoff series between Denver and Minnesota is drawing immense attention, with player statements further escalating the tension. After Minnesota tied the series at 2-2, Rudy Gobert outlined his plan for guarding the reigning league MVP.

The French center, known for his rivalry with Jokic, emphasized that the key lies in aggressive and physically demanding defense.

Every time he gets the ball, he has to pay the price. We have to double-team him and make every possession difficult. If we allow him to play his game, he'll destroy us. We have to be tough, deny him space, and throw him off balance.

This statement has further intensified the atmosphere ahead of the series continuation, raising the question of whether Minnesota can execute Gobert's plan and stop the Serbian center on his path to defending the title.