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

Minnesota blew an 18-point lead in the defeat, continuing a concerning pattern for the team.

Feb. 7, 2026 at 9:31am

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The Minnesota Timberwolves blew an 18-point lead on Friday night and lost to the New Orleans Pelicans, 119-115. After the game, Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert criticized the team's lack of effort and accountability, saying 'there's no sense of urgency, no accountability' when the team faces weaker opponents. Gobert called for someone to step in and hold the players accountable if they won't do it themselves.

Why it matters

The Timberwolves have struggled with inconsistency this season, often playing with energy against top teams but disappearing against weaker opponents. Gobert's comments highlight a concerning pattern that the team needs to address if they want to be a true contender in the Western Conference.

The details

Gobert said the team 'jog[s] back' and doesn't 'contest shots' after building big leads, leading to deflating losses. He acknowledged it's an issue the team has faced 'many, many times this year' and in the past. Gobert took responsibility, saying 'it starts with me' if he's not showing effort, but he believes someone needs to hold the players accountable if they won't do it themselves.

  • The Timberwolves blew an 18-point lead and lost to the Pelicans on Friday, February 7, 2026.
  • The Timberwolves have dropped 5 straight games from January 16-25, 2026, though they are 5-2 since then.

The players

Rudy Gobert

A three-time NBA All-Star and the starting center for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

New Orleans Pelicans

The NBA team that defeated the Timberwolves after they blew an 18-point lead.

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What they’re saying

“We played the right way first half, for the most part. 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.”

— Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves Center (yardbarker.com)

“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.”

— Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves Center (yardbarker.com)

“It's not something that you want to do, 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.”

— Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves Center (yardbarker.com)

What’s next

The Timberwolves' next five games are against the Los Angeles Clippers, Atlanta Hawks, Portland Trail Blazers, Dallas Mavericks and Philadelphia 76ers. Gobert's comments may provide a spark for the team to play with more consistency and effort against both top and weaker opponents.

The takeaway

Rudy Gobert's blunt criticism of the Timberwolves' lack of effort and accountability highlights a concerning pattern for the team this season. If the players don't hold themselves to a high standard, Gobert believes someone else needs to step in and demand more from the talented roster. The Timberwolves' upcoming schedule presents an opportunity to prove they can play with consistent energy against all opponents.