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Rudy Gobert gets posterized, has last laugh in France's Olympic-opening win

Gobert had some early foul trouble but helped France close out a victory over Brazil.
Will Ragatz|
Aug 5, 2021; Saitama, Japan; Team France centre Rudy Gobert (27) celebrates after their win over Slovenia in a men's basketball semifinal game during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. France won 90-89.
Aug 5, 2021; Saitama, Japan; Team France centre Rudy Gobert (27) celebrates after their win over Slovenia in a men's basketball semifinal game during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Summer Games at Saitama Super Arena. France won 90-89. | Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

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Minnesota Timberwolves

France's opening game in the Paris Olympics didn't start out well for Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert. Midway through the first quarter, he tried to contest an alley-oop and wound up on the wrong end of a vicious poster dunk from Brazil's Mãozinha Pereira. That was one of a few quick fouls Gobert picked up early in the game, which limited his minutes.

Gobert and France got the last laugh, however, rallying from an early deficit to beat Brazil 78-66 in the first game of Group B action. Gobert finished with 7 points, 3 rebounds, 2 blocks, and 1 assist, making all three of his field goal attempts. 20-year-old sensation and reigning NBA rookie of the year Victor Wembanyama led the host nation with 19 points, 9 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 blocks. 16-year NBA veteran Nicolas Batum also scored 19 for a dangerous-looking France team.

With Wembanyama leading the way, Gobert patrolling the paint, and players like Batum, Evan Fournier, and Frank Nkilitina scoring from the perimeter, France expects to be in mix for a gold medal in these Olympic Games. Their top competition will likely be from the United States and Canada.

Earlier on Saturday, new Timberwolves forward Joe Ingles played just three minutes in Australia's win over Spain. Wolves guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Team Canada begin their games with a Group A matchup against Giannis Antetokounmpo and Greece later on Saturday. Then, Anthony Edwards and the USA will take on Nikola Jokic and Serbia in Group C play on Sunday (10:15 a.m. CT, USA Network).

Here's a reminder on how you can watch all four Wolves players throughout group play at these Paris Olympics.

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Will Ragatz
WILL RAGATZ

Will Ragatz is a senior writer for Vikings On SI, who also covers the Twins, Timberwolves, Gophers, and other Minnesota teams. He is a credentialed Minnesota Vikings beat reporter, covering the team extensively at practices, games and throughout the NFL draft and free agency period. Ragatz attended Northwestern University, where he studied at the prestigious Medill School of Journalism. During his time as a student, he covered Northwestern Wildcats football and basketball for SB Nation’s Inside NU, eventually serving as co-editor-in-chief in his junior year. In the fall of 2018, Will interned in Sports Illustrated’s newsroom in New York City, where he wrote articles on Major League Baseball, college football, and college basketball for SI.com.

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