For everything that the Memphis Grizzlies do effectively as the NBA’s highest-scoring offense, their rank in pick-and-roll usage — No. 30 out of 30 teams — suggests that there’s one area they haven’t necessarily needed to tap into. Should they ever find themselves in need of inspiration, Rudy Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves certainly had them covered on January 11, 2025. Eager to shake free during a game built through 22 ties and 25 lead changes, Minnesota’s three-time All-Star creates a measure of on-court separation, using a slip screen to spring his path towards the rim. In a play that prompted enough celebration to encourage a technical foul for his teammate, Gobert goes airborne, high-pointing an alley-oop lob before powering it through for a one-handed flush. A game-clinching rainbow floater from Memphis’ All-Star ultimately gave them the last laugh, but Minnesota presented themselves as a formidable foe throughout. Gobert offered his contribution with flawless efficiency, finishing with 12 points (on six-of-six shooting), alongside four rebounds, four assists, and a block. · Jan 12, 2025