What began as social media beef for years bubbled into a full-on fight when Gobert, breaking up a scrum between teammate Jaden McDaniels and Klay Thompson, was pounced on by Green, who put the Frenchman in a chokehold during a 2023 matchup.

While the Wolves wait for an opponent, it is worth revisiting the emphatic, 4-1 wipeout of the Lakers and some of the themes that emerged.

The Minnesota Timberwolves’ center has been a perennial target for smack talk, but in the N.B.A. playoffs he delivers a masterclass in clapping back.