Rudy Gobert had a quick answer ready when Richard Jefferson tried to figure out why the Timberwolves center was in such a good mood.
During ESPN’s coverage of Minnesota’s 131-106 win over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night, Jefferson asked Gobert a simple question after noticing the smile.
“My only question is, why are you smiling?” Jefferson asked.
Gobert fired right back: “I’m thinking about your bald head,” he said.
The exchange aired during the game and was later shared by the Timberwolves on social media, giving Jefferson a rare turn as the punchline. The former NBA forward, now part of ESPN’s top broadcast crew with Mike Breen and Tim Legler, has built a reputation for cracking jokes on air. This time, Gobert got the better of him.
Richard Jefferson: “My only question is, why are you smiling?”
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 22, 2026
Rudy Gobert: “I'm thinking about your bald head.” 😂
pic.twitter.com/AuglOszRoK
Minnesota had plenty to be happy about beyond the banter. The Timberwolves rolled in a game that had plenty of attention built around Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Heat debut.
Antetokounmpo delivered on his end, scoring 35 points on 13-of-19 shooting in his first game since Miami landed him in a June trade with the Milwaukee Bucks. But Anthony Edwards took over the night, finishing with 45 points and 10 rebounds to set a franchise record for points in a season opener. Edwards had 36 points by the end of three quarters and went 7-of-13 from beyond the arc as Minnesota carried an 18-point lead into the fourth.
LaMelo Ball also made a strong first impression in a Timberwolves uniform, scoring 21 points with six assists after coming over in a trade with the Charlotte Hornets. For Miami, Bam Adebayo posted 15 points, seven rebounds, four assists and three steals in the loss.
The result gave Minnesota an early statement win over a Heat team hoping Antetokounmpo can lift it into contention quickly. It also gave Gobert, a four-time Defensive Player of the Year, a chance to show a side of himself fans don’t always get on display.
Jefferson may not forget that one anytime soon.
Minnesota returns home for its opener at Target Center on Sunday, Oct. 25.
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For Miami, the issues went beyond one stars scoring burst. The Heat had trouble generating help around him, and the glass was an issue too, which made it hard for them to get the kind of open-floor opportunities they want. Minnesota, meanwhile, left with a result that felt bigger than a single October game, especially with Anthony Edwards continuing to be a problem for Miami whenever these teams line up. [Read more 🡒]