Rudy Gobert sent home mid-game for taking shot at Timberwolves teammate; Jaden McDaniels breaks hand punching wall

Frustrations and tension can flare amid big moments of important contests, but things reached a boiling point during a second-quarter timeout of Minnesota’s victory Sunday over New Orleans.

Kyle Anderson looked to be calling Rudy Gobert out on a couple missed assignments that contributed to the deficit the Timberwolves were facing at the moment, and Gobert reacted by taking a shot at Anderson. Taurean Prince quickly rose out of his seat to push Gobert, and the center was sent into the tunnel.

The Athletic reported that Gobert and Anderson got into another altercation in the locker room at halftime before the team ultimately made the decision to send Gobert home.

“His behavior on the bench was unacceptable and we will continue handling the situation internally,” Timberwolves president of basketball operations Tim Connelly said in a statement.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch said the decision of whether or not to play Gobert in Minnesota’s first play-in game Tuesday against the Lakers will be “handled internally,” but the coach did not make light of Gobert’s actions.

He noted the Wolves were off to a sluggish start and weren’t playing well, and added the gravity of the game instigated a bit of panic mode, but added “we’re not proud of that behavior by anybody.”

“It’s not something we condone. Veterans can get upset, too, so I don’t want to be too hard on him. But obviously it’s not something we’re going to be able to tolerate here,” Finch said. “And I’m sure he’s already remorseful. I haven’t had a chance to speak with him about it.”

Timberwolves guard Mike Conley revealed postgame that Gobert had already texted the team to apologize.

“But that happens. We just gotta be men. We gotta be mature, especially late in the season like this. We can’t let our emotions get the best of us,” Conley said. “He knows better than that. Kyle challenges everybody. We know how that works. We have to be able to accept it and move forward.”

Anderson said he’ll be able to move past the incident with Gobert.

“It is what it is, and move forward. We want to win games. It is what it is. It ain’t the first time someone has swung on me. It is what it is. We keep it in house,” he said. “I think tempers just flared. That’s all. It is what it is. We’ll speak about it and move on. We’re grown men. It is what it is. Just move on.”

McDaniels breaks hand on wall

Jaden McDaniels is likely lost for Minnesota’s playoff run after the wing reportedly broke his hand. McDaniels was caught on video punching the wall in frustration after picking up his third foul Sunday.

“Yeah, I mean, immaturity,” Finch said. “Certainly immaturity has been one of our issues all season. But immaturity at the wrong times, (which) points to why we’re 3-9, 3-10 against some of the teams we should be better against.

“But those days are gone. We have to focus now on what we got, and moving forward. I guess we play the Lakers, so head out there.”

McDaniels’ injury takes away Minnesota’s best perimeter defender, and puts a strain on the team’s depth. Now Kyle Anderson — who’s been the backup power forward and center since Karl-Anthony Towns returned to action — will likely have to slot in more small forward minutes, along with Taurean Prince.

McDaniels injury also likely means more run for Nickeil Alexander-Walker.

“Going to have to find a way to cover ground,” Finch said. “It’s something we’ve done all season.”

Added Anderson: “Nobody is going to feel sorry for us.”

“It is what it is. Next guy’s got to be ready to go,” he said. “Nickeil and (Prince) played well tonight. We have the utmost faith in him.”

And Anthony Edwards will likely again be asked to take on the most difficult defensive matchup, while also carrying a large offensive load.