The Minnesota Timberwolves have plenty of time to rest before their Friday tip-off against the defending champion Denver Nuggets on Friday. In the meantime, the Timberwolves and their fans are busy taking in Rudy Gobert's heartfelt message to the Timberwolves community after winning Defensive Player of the Year over Victor Wembanyama.

Former DPOY Dwight Howard shared his thoughts on the recent showdown between the two big men.

On Wednesday, a story broke regarding the Timberwolves' president Tim Connelly, including his stance on why he believes Gobert got the nod over the mercurial San Antonio Spurs rookie.

Did Timberwolves President Take a Shot at the Spurs? 

The Minnesota Timberwolves' president Tim Connelly shared his thoughts on the Defensive Player of the Year outcome and according to Connelly there is one specific reason why Wembanyama lost out to Gobert, the T'Wolves big man four-time DPOY. Gobert surpassed Howard, tying Dikembe Mutombo and Ben Wallace for most DPOY awards in NBA history.

“These awards don't go to teams that are struggling,” Connelly said, in an apparent reference to the San Antonio Spurs and Wembanyama.

“So beyond the well-deserved recognition, I think it's recognition of the success our team is having and hopefully will continue to have.”

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May 4, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) and center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second half against the Denver Nuggets during game one of the second round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Timberwolves' Quest for Trophy Continues Friday 

The Timberwolves hold a 2-0 lead over the Nuggets and were pegged as likely to sweep the series according to Charles Barkley, the venerable NBA on TNT host.

On Friday, May 10, the Timberwolves will host what could be the biggest playoff game in franchise history as the Nuggets are expected to visit town for an 8:30 p.m. Central Time tip-off.

The Timberwolves last made the Western Conference Finals in 2004, when they lost 4-2 as the top seed to the number two seeded Los Angeles Lakers. Connelly's Timberwolves are 4.5 point favorites for Friday's game, but are expected to get Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets' best shot with their playoff lives on the line at the Target Center.