"Airballing a dunk is EGREGIOUS": NBA fans shocked as Rudy Gobert commits huge blunder under the rim against Shai Gilgeous-Alexander

Rudy Gobert went viral for a play that involved Shai Gilgeous-Alexander on Friday. The 7-foot-1 Minnesota Timberwolves center was rejected at the rim by the 6-foot-6 OKC Thunder guard late in the second quarter. Gobert grabbed the ball and attempted another dunk that did not even hit the rim.

Fans reacted to the hilarious sequence:

"Airballing a dunk is EGREGIOUS."

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One fan said:

Another fan added:

One more fan continued:

Another fan commented:

The play happened with under two minutes left in the second quarter with the Thunder leading 48-46. Gobert was momentarily open after receiving a well-timed pass from Jaden McDaniels. Without hesitation, he went for a two-handed jam that Shai Gilgeous-Alexander stuffed near the rim.

Almost surprised by the block, Gobert tried a one-handed slam, but the ball sailed away from his hand. He frantically gestured at the referees that he had been fouled by Thunder center Isaiah Hartenstein, who swiped at the ball.

Oklahoma City raced to the other end, looking to take advantage of the chaos. However, Isaiah Joe missed an open 25-footer, allowing Anthony Edwards to grab the rebound. Edwards, though, lost the ball to Jalen Williams, an error that led to Joe finally hitting a 3-pointer.

However, the Timberwolves won the second-quarter battle 25-18 to trail 51-48 heading into the halftime break.

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Rudy Gobert has made his presence felt despite hilarious viral sequence

The Minnesota Timberwolves dropped a 14-6 run to open the fourth quarter. Minnesota’s fast start pushed them to a 97-93 lead with 6:02 remaining.

Rudy Gobert has played a key role in the Timberwolves’ impressive display against the Thunder. He had nine points, 14 rebounds and one assist when Oklahoma City called a timeout to halt Minnesota’s hot start.

The Frenchman has particularly caused trouble in the paint. He did not have one block, but he changed multiple shots around the rim. The veteran center has helped limit the Thunder’s inside forays. Gobert’s eight offensive rebounds were crucial in providing the Timberwolves with multiple second opportunities.

If Rudy Gobert and the Timberwolves hold on, they will have some payback after losing to the Thunder 113-105 late last month.

Edited by Michael Macasero