Nikola Jokic Earns High Praise From Rudy Gobert Ahead of Playoffs

The Nuggets star and Timberwolves center have faced off in the postseason multiple times.

Apr. 15, 2026 at 1:25am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting an abstract basketball game, with the figures of Nikola Jokic and Rudy Gobert deconstructed into overlapping shapes and planes, capturing the intensity of their matchup.The upcoming playoff clash between Nikola Jokic and Rudy Gobert promises an intense battle of two of the NBA's premier big men.Denver Today

As the Denver Nuggets and Minnesota Timberwolves prepare to meet in the first round of the NBA playoffs, Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert had high praise for his counterpart, Nuggets star Nikola Jokic. Gobert acknowledged Jokic's winning mentality, selflessness, and humility, despite the two big men's history of intense playoff battles.

Why it matters

The Nuggets-Timberwolves playoff matchup features two of the league's elite big men in Jokic and Gobert, who have faced off numerous times in the postseason. Jokic's ability to generate offense could pose a major challenge for Gobert and the Timberwolves' defense, making this a highly anticipated first-round series.

The details

Jokic and Gobert have met 18 times in the playoffs, with Jokic holding an 11-7 advantage. Jokic has averaged 27.9 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 7.2 assists in those matchups. Despite Gobert's defensive prowess, the Nuggets' star has found ways to excel against him. Gobert praised Jokic's winning mentality, selflessness, and humility, acknowledging the difficulty in defending such a talented offensive player.

  • The Nuggets and Timberwolves will meet in the first round of the 2026 NBA playoffs.

The players

Nikola Jokic

The three-time NBA MVP and star center of the Denver Nuggets.

Rudy Gobert

The four-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and starting center for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

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What they’re saying

“I think he's a winner, whatever he does, he plays to win. He's selfless, he tries to make the right play every time.”

— Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves Center

“I like his humility, I think he's someone that doesn't really care about the outside noise, he's just here to show up, help his team win, and go home. I like that, I respect that”

— Rudy Gobert, Minnesota Timberwolves Center

What’s next

The Nuggets and Timberwolves will begin their first-round playoff series on April 16, 2026.

The takeaway

This playoff matchup between Jokic and Gobert promises to be a clash of two of the NBA's premier big men. Jokic's offensive brilliance will be tested by Gobert's defensive prowess, making for a highly anticipated and potentially decisive first-round series.