Derrick Favors: ‘Everyone Hates On’ Rudy Gobert
May 1, 2025, 1:37 PM
Utah Jazz forward Joe Ingles (2), forward Derrick Favors (15) and center Rudy Gobert (27) smile as the Jazz get out to an early lead against the Detroit Pistons at Vivint Smart Home Arena in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, March 13, 2018. (Courtesy of Deseret News)
(Courtesy of Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Jazz forward Derrick Favors took to social media to defend teammate Rudy Gobert after his monster playoff performance to close out the Los Angeles Lakers.
Gobert recorded 27 points and 24 rebounds as the Minnesota Timberwolves eliminated the Lakers on their home floor in game five.
Related: Rudy Gobert Shares Thoughts On Utes Coach Alex Jensen
Derrick Favors Applauds Rudy Gobert
After Gobert’s career-best postseason performance, Favors celebrated his longtime Jazz teammate on X.
“He did what he was suppose [sic] to do!” Favors wrote. “Everyone hates on him until he’s on your team and then you appreciate him.”
Favors was referring to the narrative that has surrounded Gobert throughout much of his career, that he’s unable to perform in the playoffs the same way he does in the regular season.
He did what he was suppose to do! Everyone hates on him until he’s on your team and then you appreciate him. https://t.co/rFCaHvDdaV
— Derrick Favors (@dfavors14) May 1, 2025
Gobert has been on the wrong end of several memorable playoff moments in both Utah and Minnesota, including Terance Mann’s career-high 39-point performance as the Clippers erased a 25-point second-half deficit to beat the Jazz in 2021, and Luka Doncic’s dagger three to elevate the Dallas Mavericks last season.
But on Wednesday, it was Gobert who shone the brightest.
In addition to his playoff career-highs in points and rebounds, Gobert shot an efficient 12-15 from the floor while adding two blocks, and took advantage of the undersized Lakers roster.
RUDY GOBERT DOMINATES INSIDE TO LIFT THE @Timberwolves INTO THE WEST SEMIS!
🐺 27 PTS
🐺 24 REB (9 OREB)
🐺 2 BLK
🐺 80.0 FG% (12-15 FGM)Gobert is just the FOURTH player to record 25/20 on 80+ FG% in a playoff game… and the first since 1996 🤯 pic.twitter.com/UFAgmqZQE0
— NBA (@NBA) May 1, 2025
After sending the Lakers home for the summer, Gobert and the Timberwolves await the conclusion of the opening round series between the Golden State Warriors and the Houston Rockets.
The Warriors lead the Rockets 3-2 in the best-of-seven matchup.
Gobert and Favors spent seven seasons together in Utah.
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Ben Anderson is the Utah Jazz insider for KSL Sports and the co-host of Jake and Ben from 10-12p with Jake Scott on 97.5 The KSL Sports Zone. Find Ben on Twitter at @BensHoops, on Instagram @BensHoops, or on BlueSky.
