With the Timberwolves holding a one-point lead late in regulation, Gobert was called for his sixth foul while wrestling for a rebound with Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen.
After umpire Scott Foster whistled for a foul on a loose ball, umpire Gobert pointed at him and made a “point at the money” gesture several times, suggesting the umpire was being unduly influenced by gamblers. However, the league said the conduct was “inappropriate and unprofessional.” Gobert's reaction led to the second referee giving a technical foul and giving Cleveland free throws, sending the game into overtime. The Cavaliers defeated the Timberwolves 16-7 in overtime.
Gobert admitted in his postgame interview that his “immature” reaction cost the Timberwolves the game, but added that he believed gambling “was hurting our game.”
“I know the stakes and everything is getting bigger and bigger, but it shouldn't feel that way,” he said, according to The Athletic.
Timberwolves assistant coach Mika Noli, who is filling in for sick Chris Finch, called Gobert's actions “unacceptable” given the circumstances.
“He automatically created the visuals,” Nori said. “He was obviously frustrated – so were both teams – but we've got to be smarter.”
Federal investigators discovered that disgraced former referee Tim Donaghy called Foster more than 100 times during the 2006-07 season. Mr. Donaghy resigned in 2007 after admitting to manipulating point spreads and gambling on games, and later pled guilty in a federal case. Foster, now a 30-year NBA veteran, said the call was unrelated to the gambling scandal and he has not been charged with a crime.
Minnesota (44-20) is in a tight battle with the Oklahoma City Thunder and Denver Nuggets for the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference. The Timberwolves, who lost All-Star forward Karl-Anthony Towns to meniscus surgery this week, are looking for their first playoff series win since 2004.
