During a recent game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Atlanta Hawks, a frightening incident unfolded as a piece of debris fell from the overhead jumbotron, narrowly missing Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert and Hawks big man Mouhamed Gueye. The incident occurred at the end of the first quarter as both players were walking off the court. Gobert appeared to sense the falling object just as it passed by his head, while his teammates reacted with apparent surprise and concern.
Following the game, Gobert addressed the near-miss, remarking to reporters, "It happened right in front of me. I don't know if that's good or bad." Fortunately, neither player sustained any injuries.
Despite the unsettling incident, the Timberwolves maintained their focus and secured a 100-92 victory. Gobert contributed significantly with 18 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks, while Anthony Edwards led the team in scoring with 23 points. Atlanta's De’Andre Hunter impressed with 35 points off the bench, and Clint Capela added a double-double with 10 points and 15 rebounds.
While pleased with the win, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch expressed dissatisfaction with his team's second-half performance, noting that the Hawks managed to narrow the gap after outscoring Minnesota 31-20 in the third quarter. Finch emphasized the need for more consistent play if the team aims to achieve its goals.
With this win, the Timberwolves improved their record to 25-20, while the Hawks fell to 22-24. This incident serves as a reminder of the potential hazards in sporting venues and the importance of ensuring fan and player safety.
