Revenge isn’t always loud. Sometimes, it’s 7’1”, French, and makes Shaquille O’Neal pretend to vomit on national television. That’s exactly what happened when Rudy Gobert turned Game 5 against the Lakers into a personal redemption tour—and a public clinic. The Timberwolves’ big man dominated the paint, bullied a small-ball Lakers lineup, and finished the first round with a stat line so monstrous, even his harshest critics had to give him his flowers. Or, in Shaq’s case, fake gagging on TNT while reluctantly muttering:
“I never thought I would say these words… but Rudy Gobert is dominating.” That’s right. Dominating. And while O’Neal clutched his chest in mock disgust, Gobert casually dropped a career-high 27 points, 24 rebounds, and made NBA playoff history as the first player to record 25+ points, 20+ rebounds on 80% shooting in a series-clinching win.
Last year, Luka Doncic and the Dallas Mavericks sent Gobert and the Timberwolves packing in the Western Conference Finals. Luka was ruthless—sinking threes in Rudy’s face, waving goodbye, and even yelling “sub him out” after hitting floaters over the Frenchman. Gobert never forgot.
Shaquille O’Neal started to fake throw up when giving Rudy Gobert credit for dominating the Lakers in the first half of Game 5:
“I never thought I would say these words that will come out of my mouth… but, Rudy Gobert is dominating.”
Shaq is hilarious pic.twitter.com/4igB4lWzI2
— Courtside Buzz (@CourtsideBuzzX) May 1, 2025
Now, a year later, Luka’s wearing purple and gold. But Rudy’s not chasing one player—he’s chasing something bigger. When asked postgame if the series win over Luka felt like vindication, Gobert didn’t flinch: “Feels great. But my vindication is not about beating a specific person. It’s about winning a championship.”
A very PR-safe answer—but don’t be fooled. Gobert heard everything. The trash talk, the social media memes, and especially the predictions: Lakers in five. Anthony Edwards couldn’t help himself either, walking into the presser yelling, “Ant-man, Superman, Lakers in five!”
Then doubling down: “We beat the best player in the world, the best player ever. So I think that makes it feel 10 times better.” Gobert’s revenge tour might be quiet, but it’s far from over. Luka may have won the battle in 2024. Rudy wants the war in 2025.
Shaq Throws Up, Rudy Shows Up
While Gobert was eating rebounds for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, TNT’s halftime panel had to reckon with a version of Rudy they hadn’t seen since… well, ever. Shaquille O’Neal, a known Gobert critic, literally gagged while praising him: “He’s dominating and I’m happy for him… I hate to say it.”
The man couldn’t believe he was giving credit to Rudy Gobert, a player he’s clowned for years. Twitter lit up with memes. TikToks reenacted Shaq’s fake retching. Meanwhile, Gobert was out there swatting shots, cleaning glass, and high-fiving Julius Randle like they’d been teammates for a decade.
Gobert’s final line? 27 points, 24 rebounds, 12-of-15 shooting, 9 offensive boards, 2 blocks. He said he could feel the Lakers wearing down: “It was getting harder and harder for them to keep me off the boards… it’s a lot of effort.”
Shaq might’ve needed Pepto-Bismol, but Gobert needed only effort and good positioning. Dominance in its purest form. Their rivalry isn’t just stats—it’s personal. Since 2018, Luka and Rudy have squared off 27 times. Gobert leads 9–6 in the regular season, but Doncic owns the playoffs 7–5. Last year, Luka’s dagger three in Game 2 of the West Finals over Gobert made headlines—not just for the shot, but because it made Rudy fall and prompted an expletive-laced celebration.
Dec 25, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) warms up before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Minnesota Timberwolves at the American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
This year, Luka fired back in Game 2 with 31 points, 12 rebounds, and 9 assists—again targeting Gobert with relentless pick-and-roll action. One floater later and the infamous “sub him out” line was born. But Minnesota adjusted. Chris Finch made Gobert the center of their defensive game plan, and it paid off.
The Timberwolves swarmed the Lakers in Game 5, forcing 15 turnovers (six from Austin Reaves), holding L.A. to 42.3% shooting, and getting key contributions from Donte DiVincenzo, Jaden McDaniels, and Naz Reid. Despite Anthony Edwards going 0-for-11 from three, Minnesota never wavered.
Asked what’s driving him, Gobert said: “We both want to win. And we want to see each other win… It’s a good opportunity to write our own narrative.”
The Timberwolves just became the first squad in franchise history to win back-to-back playoff series. They did it by outhustling a Lakers team that, despite featuring LeBron and Luka, simply couldn’t handle the Wolves’ length and pressure.
With the Warriors and Rockets still battling in the other bracket, Minnesota awaits their next challenge. Rudy Gobert, meanwhile, has unfinished business, and Luka Doncic might still be part of it down the road.
Until then, someone check on Shaq.
The post Rudy Gobert Thirst for Revenge vs Luka Doncic Isn’t Over as He Leaves Biggest Hater Nauseous on Live TV appeared first on EssentiallySports.
