Rudy Gobert delivered a dominant performance in Game 5, helping the Timberwolves secure a series-clinching victory over the Lakers with a 103-96 win. Gobert's impressive stats included 27 points and 24 rebounds, making it one of the most efficient playoff performances in NBA history, particularly given his previous low scoring in the series. Despite frequent criticism throughout his career, Gobert's performance forced Shaquille O'Neal, one of his harshest critics, to offer reluctant praise. The Lakers struggled without a strong center presence, making them vulnerable to the formidable size of the Timberwolves, led by Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid. The TNT panel further acknowledged Gobert's performance, humorously dubbing him 'Superman' and playfully teasing Shaq for his earlier criticisms.

Rudy Gobert's standout performance in Game 5 was instrumental in the Timberwolves' victory over the Lakers, closing the series with a score of 103-96.

Gobert achieved a rare feat in Timberwolves playoff history by recording the team's fifth 20-point, 20-rebound game, showcasing exceptional efficiency by scoring 27 points on over 80 percent shooting.

The Lakers, lacking a strong center, struggled against the Timberwolves' size advantage, with Gobert and teammates Julius Randle and Naz Reid proving too much to handle.

Shaquille O'Neal, a frequent critic of Gobert, was compelled to acknowledge Gobert's dominance during halftime, despite his past skepticism about Gobert's value.

The TNT panel humorously praised Gobert as 'Superman' after the game, while also teasing O'Neal for his prior criticisms.

Gobert's performance in Game 5 was surprising given his previous low-scoring outputs in the series, where he scored only 14 points across the first four games.

Gobert has scored more than 27 points only four times in his career, adding to the significance of his Game 5 performance.

The Timberwolves closed out the series against the Lakers on Wednesday night, defeating Los Angeles 103-96 in Game 5.

A big reason for the victory was Rudy Gobert, who had no issues against a Lakers team that was notably missing a serviceable center next to LeBron James and Luka Doncic. Minnesota's size, led by Gobert, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid, proved to be too much for Los Angeles, who went small without a center for most of the game.

Gobert has been an oft-criticized player, but he came up big when it mattered most to close out Los Angeles in the first round. He even forced his biggest critic, Shaquille O'Neal, to give him some praise in the TNT studio.

Here's a breakdown of Gobert's big night for the Timberwolves.

📲 Follow The Sporting News on WhatsApp

Rudy Gobert stats vs. Lakers in Game 5

Gobert had a dominant closeout performance against the Lakers, as Los Angeles had no match for Minnesota's size. The Timberwolves center produced the fifth 20-point, 20-rebound game in Timberwolves playoff history, with Kevin Garnett being the only other player on that list.

However, what made Gobert's performance so impressive was the efficiency. Gobert scored 27 points on over 80 percent shooting, one of the most efficient performances in NBA playoff history. The showing was especially surprising considering Gobert had 14 points in the previous four games of the series.

Here's a look at Gobert's full Game 5 stats:

• Minutes: 39
• Points: 27
• Rebounds: 24
• Blocks: 2
• FGM/FGA: 12/15
• FTM/FTA: 3/6

Rudy Gobert-Shaq beef, explained

Throughout Gobert's career, Shaquille O'Neal has been very critical of the center, believing that the Timberwolves center is not worth his contract. However, at halftime of Game 5 against the Lakers, O'Neal had to give Gobert credit for the way he was playing.

"Rudy Gobert is dominating," O'Neal said while pretending to gag. "Rudy Gobert is dominating and I'm happy for him."

"Rudy Gobert is dominating"

Shaq never thought he'd say these words 🤣 pic.twitter.com/Epd9QrdUTp

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 1, 2025

Then, after the game ended, the rest of the TNT panel praised Gobert even more, calling him "Superman" as Shaq smiled sheepishly.

"SUPERMAN WAS IN THE BUILDING" 😂

Kenny & Chuck gave Rudy Gobert his flowers after a dominant Game 5, but not without clowning Shaq as well 💀 pic.twitter.com/QXpCm6jr9C

— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 1, 2025

NBA PLAYOFFS HQ: Live NBA scores | NBA playoff schedule | NBA playoff bracket

Rudy Gobert points career high

Gobert has only scored more than 27 points four times in his career, including 35 points twice. Most recently, Gobert scored 35 points against the Nets near the end of the regular season.