First three-pointer felt like losing ‘virginity’


That’s one way to put it.

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert got a bit personal after scoring his first-ever three-pointer at the professional level while playing for the French national team Wednesday against Montenegro.

“Tonight, I feel like I lost my virginity,” the four-time All-NBA player said after his team’s 80-69 win, according to the team’s official account on X, formerly known as Twitter, which posted the quote in French.

Gobert lined up at the top of the arc for an inbound pass from under the basket.

As the Frenchman released the ball, the crowd was oohing with suspense in Montpellier, France — and fans roared with excitement when it fell through they net.

Nicolas Batum, the Los Angeles Clippers forward, is Gobert’s teammate on the French national team.

After sharing video of Gobert’s bucket on X, Batum had a little fun at his teammate’s expense.

“Those scouting (sic) report about to be different,” Batum wrote with a laughing emoji.

Gobert, 31, who’s getting ready for his 11th NBA season, is better known for his three Defensive Player of the Year awards.

The three-time All-Star has yet to hit a three-pointer in the NBA, missing all 14 of his attempts over the course of his career.


Rudy Gobert hit his first-ever three-pointer at the professional level while playing for the French national team against Montenegro on August 2, 2023.
Twitter

Rudy Gobert hit his first-ever three-pointer at the professional level while playing for the French national team against Montenegro on August 2, 2023.
Rudy Gobert hit his first-ever three-pointer at the professional level while playing for the French national team against Montenegro on August 2, 2023.
Twitter

Rudy Gobert hit his first-ever three-pointer at the professional level while playing for the French national team against Montenegro on August 2, 2023.
Rudy Gobert hit his first-ever three-pointer at the professional level while playing for the French national team against Montenegro on August 2, 2023.
Twitter

The 7-foot-1 center has the most points (8,531) without a three-pointer over the last NBA 10 seasons, according to StatMuse.

But Gobert can still fill up the stat sheet.

He averaged 13.4 points, 11.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game last season.


Rudy Gobert (27) of the Minnesota Timberwolves dunked against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of Denver's 112-109 win at Ball Arena in Denver on April 25, 2023.
Rudy Gobert (27) of the Minnesota Timberwolves dunked against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter of Denver’s 112-109 win at Ball Arena in Denver on April 25, 2023.
Denver Post via Getty Images

The Timberwolves finished the 2022-23 season with a 42-40 record and entered the playoffs as the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference.

Minnesota’s playoff run ended with a first-round loss to the Denver Nuggets, who went on to win the NBA title.





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