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Rudy Gobert and Victor Wembanyama at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The San Antonio Spurs are set to host the Minnesota Timberwolves in Game 1 of the Western Conference semifinals on Monday.

Minnesota shocked the Denver Nuggets in six games to advance to the second round of the 2026 NBA playoffs. Rudy Gobert did an amazing job in slowing down Nikola Jokic, proving why he has won four Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Gobert’s next task is to make things difficult for Victor Wembanyama, who dominated the Portland Trail Blazers in the first round. Wemby averaged 21.0 points, 8.8 rebounds, 2.0 assists, 1.0 steals and 4.0 blocks in four games played.

Victor Wembanyama Heaps Praises for Rudy Gobert

GettyVictor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs goes to the basket against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second quarter at Target Center on January 11, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Ahead of their second-round series matchup, Wembanyama gave Gobert his flowers during an interview with Maxime Aubin of L’Équipe.

“We’re already lucky to face him regularly during the regular season, and it’s tough to play against him,” Wembanyama said, via HoopsHype. “It’s demanding. He’s played a huge role in my journey, has been a role model, has inspired me in so many ways that should actually inspire more people, especially when it comes to the care given to the body, which is an example for all big men.”

Wemby and Gobert are teammates on the France National Team, plus the Timberwolves big man served as mentor over the years. Now, it’s time for their first important matchup when the lights are bright in the offseason.

While Gobert’s stats in the first round are not eye-popping, he did a really great job at containing Jokic. He was one of the main reasons why the Timberwolves were able to pull off the upset despite not having Anthony Edwards, Donte DiVincenzo and Ayo Dosunmu in Game 6.

Rudy Gobert Shares Same Sentiment for Victor Wembanyama

GettyVictor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs goes up for a shot against Rudy Gobert #27 of the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter at Target Center on January 11, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.

Before Wemby’s comments on Friday, Gobert already praised his national team teammate after Game 6. He’s also looking forward to their matchup and had nothing but good things to say about the 22-year-old star.

“It’s another really strong team with a unique all-time player and a top-three MVP candidate, so it’s a great challenge, and we’re excited for it,” Gobert said, via BasketNews. “That’s what I said about Jokic, as a competitor, that’s what you live for. It’s the same with Victor and the Spurs. They had an incredible regular season, winning more than 60 games, which is really hard to do over 82 games. They have a strong collective unit on both ends of the floor and are very well coached.”

In six games between Wemby and Gobert in the regular season since 2023, the four-time DPOY has a winning record of 6-2.

Gobert is averaging 12.3 points, 11.9 rebounds, 1.9 assists and 1.4 blocks in those eight games.

Wemby, on the other hand, is putting up 22.6 points, 9.4 rebounds, 3.4 assists, 1.4 steals and 2.8 blocks on 44.9% shooting.