NBA Fines Rudy Gobert Again, Proving it Pays to Be Jamal Murray

By Ted Schwerzler |

Updated: May 14, 2024

NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at Phoenix Suns — Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets are set to do battle on Tuesday night for Game 5, but ahead of the action the NBA announced that Minnesota center Rudy Gobert has been fined $75,000 for a gesture he made in Game 4. Of course, that was the same gesture Jamal Murray had made in Game 2, and he went unfined.

Rudy Gobert fined by NBA for money sign (again)

For the Timberwolves, Jamal Murray’s antics have become something of a thorn in their side for the duration of the second round series. He tossed a heating pack onto the court, and while that could have seriously hurt someone, he was fined $100,000 rather than being suspended. His performance in Game 4, and Rudy Gobert’s lack of performance, helped to sink Minnesota.

Murray has thrown a heat pad on the floor, made a money sign about the refs, and clapped in their face twice tonight and he still hasn’t got a technical foul pic.twitter.com/Yu40k5gaGM
— Thomas Sullivan (@Yfz84) May 7, 2024

This isn’t the first time Rudy Gobert has been fined for making a money related gesture this season. Coincidentally, both of the instances have come in games officiated by controversial referee Scott Foster.

The Timberwolves got out to a hot start during Game 4, but quickly wilted before letting emotions take over. Questionable foul calls were handed out, and there were also multiple instances in which the officials simply let both teams go at it.

Emotions can bring out best in the Minnesota Timberwolves big man

Gobert certainly is one to let his emotions get the best of him at times, and that isn’t something Chris Finch can have from the Defensive Player of the Year in Game 5.

A significant key for the Timberwolves during Game 5 will be to control the emotions and force frustrations. Flustering Murray, hopefully not to the point of another heating pack tantrum, can only help Minnesota’s swarming defense. On the flip side, Gobert must stay within himself and allow that presence to permeate throughout the roster.

Rudy Gobert when asked if he was surprised by receiving the fine:

“No, not surprised.”

Ask what the message was behind the gesture:

“There was no message, just emotions. I gotta control my emotions. It’s gonna be a physical game, emotional game, I gotta control my emotions.” https://t.co/DmYyyiO6vH
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) May 14, 2024

Anthony Edwards was incredible during Game 4, and he’ll need a much more impressive performance from his teammates if the Timberwolves are going to return home with a series lead.

Facing the defending champs, it should never have been expected to be a quick series, but Finch and Micah Nori can’t be thrilled to watch the 2-0 lead built on the road evaporate entirely at home.

If the Timberwolves can grab a big road victory in Game 5, they will again return to the Target Center with momentum, and an opportunity to close out the series. For a fan base looking to get behind this team, Game 5, Gobert, and the entire roster are a culmination of stakes that could not be higher.