The Timberwolves are 22-10 when Gobert grabs at least nine rebounds, 22-11 when he scores at least eight points, 16-5 when he attempts at least seven shots, 16-8 when he doles out two-plus assists and 6-2 when he blocks three or more shots. Those are the numbers required to be a championship-contending team.

At 32, Gobert is amid one of his worst statistical seasons but offered his most forceful performance of the season Saturday against Denver.

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic had 13 points, four assists and a rebound in the first quarter of Saturday afternoon's game against the Minnesota Timberwolves. Still, the Wolves outscored the Nuggets by nine points in the opening frame.