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Defector

Giri Nathan

Nikola Jokic (15), Jamal Murray (27) and Tim Hardaway Jr. (10) of the Denver Nuggets walk to the bench for a timeout as the Minnesota Timberwolves celebrate during the third quarter of the Timberwolves' 110-98 Game 6 first round NBA Playoffs series win at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota on Thursday, April 30, 2026. Minnesota eliminated the Nuggets 4-2. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

The Nuggets Went Out Like Suckers

Staff Writer
Find me on Signal @DefectorChris.19

Chris Thompson

Big Lakers Ambitions Squished By, Of All People, Rudy Gobert

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 17: Julius Randle #30 of the Minnesota Timberwolves interacts with Rudy Gobert #27 in the third quarter against the Phoenix Suns at Target Center on November 17, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Suns 120-117. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)

Rudy Gobert Found A New Guy To Annoy

Tom Ley

Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets shoots over Rudy Gobert (27) of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the second quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, May 14, 2024.

No Weapon Formed Against Nikola Jokic Shall Prosper

Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley celebrate a bucket.

Dare To Speak The Forbidden Words: The Minnesota Timberwolves Are Good Now

Joel Embiid #21 of the Philadelphia 76ers reacts during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Wells Fargo Center on December 20, 2023 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

Joel Embiid Will Drive You Nuts

Draymond Green puts Rudy Gobert in a chokehold.

Draymond Green Was Looking For Any Reason To Put Rudy Gobert In A Chokehold

DENVER, CO - APRIL 25: Anthony Edwards (1) of the Minnesota Timberwolves stands during a break in action in the third quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, April 25, 2023.

Anthony Edwards Needs Some New Pals

Samer Kalaf

Rudy Gobert swings at Kyle Anderson in a team huddle.

The Timberwolves Are Throwing Punches At The Worst Possible Time

Rudy Gobert and Kenrich Williams fall to the floor.

Rudy Gobert Gets Frustrated, Sweeps The Leg

Patrick Redford

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 07: Anthony Edwards #1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves reacts after being fouled in the third quarter of the game against the New York Knicks at Target Center on November 7, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Everything Is Stinky In Minnesota

Either Way, Rudy Gobert In Minnesota Will Be Big Fun

Dan McQuade was a founding member of Defector. He died in January 2026.

Dan McQuade

This Is So Stupid

Rudy Gobert’s Own Bees Sting Him In Face

SALT LAKE CITY, UTAH - APRIL 21: Jalen Brunson #13 of the Dallas Mavericks drives into Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz during the first half of Game Three of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs at Vivint Smart Home Arena on April 21, 2022 in Salt Lake City, Utah. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)

Jalen Brunson And The Mavericks Are In The Process Of Ending The Jazz Once And For All

It’s Always A Good Sign When Your Coach Delivers A 19-Minute Rant About How His Two Best Players Don’t Hate Each Other

WASHINGTON, DC - DECEMBER 11: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz reacts after scoring against the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on December 11, 2021 in Washington, DC. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)

The Utah Jazz Are Broken

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 28: Mike Conley #11 of the Utah Jazz reacts during the second half against the Memphis Grizzlies at FedExForum on January 28, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

The Jazz Are In A World Of Pain

Patrick Beverley: Making My Team Look Bad Is An Act Of Cowardice

As True Men Of Punching, Rudy Gobert And I Stand Ready And Willing To Fight All Comers

Ray Ratto

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MARCH 03: Donovan Mitchell #45 of the Utah Jazz is escorted off the court after being ejected during overtime against the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on March 03, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

The Jazz Lack The Lost Art Of Working The Refs

Rudy Gobert of the Utah Jazz looks miserable.

Rudy Gobert