Rudy Gobert delivered an exceptional performance against the Los Angeles Lakers, scoring 27 points and grabbing 24 rebounds, achieving a historic milestone by being the first player to have 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 80% shooting in a series-clinching game. Despite Gobert's dominance, the Lakers failed to make an obvious strategic adjustment by utilizing Jaxson Hayes, a true center on their roster, who remained on the bench throughout the match. The Lakers' defense concentrated on other threats like Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, overlooking Gobert's impact on the game. Gobert's outstanding play was pivotal in securing the Timberwolves' victory, despite their poor shooting from beyond the arc, as he finished with a +18 plus-minus rating. The Lakers' inability to counter Gobert's influence led to their elimination from the playoffs, ending their 2025 season prematurely.

Rudy Gobert had a career-defining game, scoring 27 points and collecting 24 rebounds, becoming the first player in NBA history to achieve at least 25 points, 20 rebounds, and 80% shooting in a series-clinching victory.

Despite Gobert's impressive performance, the Lakers did not adjust their strategy by playing Jaxson Hayes, their only true center, who did not see any court time in the decisive game.

The Lakers focused their defensive efforts on containing players like Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle, inadvertently allowing Gobert to dominate offensively and defensively.

The Timberwolves struggled with their shooting from the three-point line, hitting only 7 out of 47 attempts, yet managed to win due to Gobert's significant contributions.

Gobert's performance was instrumental in the Timberwolves' seven-point win, finishing with a game-high +18 plus-minus, showcasing his critical role in the team's success and the Lakers' downfall.

The Lakers' failure to adapt and utilize their bench options, particularly in response to Gobert's dominance, resulted in their early playoff exit, highlighting a missed opportunity to extend their season.

The decision not to play Jaxson Hayes, despite his potential to impact the game defensively, ultimately contributed to the Lakers' inability to counter Gobert's historic night and secure a victory.

The one possible answer for the Lakers to extend their 2025 playoff life was sitting on the bench.

But unfortunately for Los Angeles, despite Rudy Gobert playing the offensive game of his life, J.J. Redick never pointed that way.

The Lakers have one true center on their roster, Jaxson Hayes (well, Alex Len, too, but he wasn't going to get in). Hayes played exactly zero minutes on Wednesday night as the Lakers' season ended at the hands of the Timberwolves.

Gobert was the story of the night.

Normally an impactful rim defender whose offensive game is filled with a few too many in-close minutes for an athletic 7-footer, Gobert dominated the paint with the basketball.

The French star put up 27 points and 24 rebounds in maybe the best offensive performance of his life. Gobert shot 12-for-15 from the floor, admittedly on mostly pretty dang easy buckets.

Rudy Gobert is the first player with 25 PTS, 20 REB and 80% shooting in a series-clinching win in NBA history 😳 pic.twitter.com/n9HtM4Y3sC

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 1, 2025

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The Lakers never had an answer, except they never tried the most obvious solution.

Hayes isn't a perfect player. He's not much of an offensive threat besides as a player to lob the ball to on potential alley-oops.

And you never really plan for Gobert to be the guy that beats you. The Lakers' defense had to be more focused on slowing Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.

But at some point, there has to be an effort to make something change. Gobert shooting 80 percent and grabbing all the available rebounds isn't a route to winning the game, either.

The Timberwolves shot 7-for-47 from beyond the arc and won anyway because of Gobert.

In a game the Timberwolves won by seven, Gobert was a +18. The next best Minnesota player was +11.

Gobert won this game for Minnesota, thus winning the series.

The Lakers didn't play the final card that may have given them a chance to extend their season.

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