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Apr 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch looks on against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

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Apr 20, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch looks on against the Phoenix Suns in the second half during game one of the first round for the 2024 NBA playoffs at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
The drama unfolded at the Footprint Center as the Minnesota Timberwolves stormed in and snatched a 121-113 victory over the Phoenix Suns. For the home team, the struggles of the 2024-25 season only deepened. But this game was about more than just wins and losses. Chaos erupted in the third quarter when Wolves’ head coach Chris Finch found himself at the center of controversy. The referees ejected him after he received two technical fouls, leaving the bench stunned.
Chris Finch, seemingly in a calm exchange with official CJ Washington, was suddenly hit with a technical foul. Stunned, he erupted, marching toward Washington in protest. Anthony Edwards quickly intervened, pulling him back before tensions escalated further. However, the reason for the call remained unclear. With Finch ejected, assistant coach Micah Nori stepped in to lead the Wolves for the rest of the night.
But now, NBA Referee Pat Fraher commented to a pool reporter after tonight’s Minnesota at Phoenix game. So, why did the officials assess Chris Finch after his first tech? Fraher stated: “[Coach Finch] Used profanity directed towards a game official.” What was the second tech, followed by an ejected for? The official remarked: “Coach Finch used derogatory comments directed towards all of the officials.”
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NBA Referee Pat Fraher comments to a pool reporter after tonight’s Minnesota at Phoenix game.https://t.co/PKVjDL9EFx
— NBA Official (@NBAOfficial) January 30, 2025
Kellan Olson who conducted the Pool Report interview asked the referee a third question: “The conversation before his ejection seemed mild-mannered. What was Finch discussing with the official during that pause in play?” Pat Fraher responded, “He made those derogatory comments at that moment.”
The NBA fans aren’t happy. And it’s not just about the technical foul and ejection that the Wolves HC faced. But the fact that they also feel the league has turned too ‘soft’, is making the fans furious. However, for Chris Finch, leaving the arena after a major ruckus isn’t going to end his troubles. There’s more to come his way.
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Chris Finch’s troubles will deepen as a big fine is most likely to arrive
Usually, it’s the players who learn from their coaches. But in the case of the Minnesota Timberwolves, Chris Finch is learning from Anthony Edwards. Do I really need to remind you of the weird love story fouls, fines, and Antman have developed in this 2024-25 Season of the NBA? Surely not. The superstar has paid around $285,000 in fines so far which is less than 1% of his salary. But, who likes to lose money over such things?
But now, with Coach Finch being accused of profanity and derogatory comments towards official C.J. Washington, severe repercussions await. In the NBA technical fouls can result in fines of up to $50,000 and suspensions. The severity of the fine depends on the number of technical fouls someone has already committed. Minnesota‘s misery deepened when his player, Jaden McDaniels, got ejected from the game after making physical contact while facing a technical foul.

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Oct 13, 2024; New York, New York, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch reacts during the first half against the New York Knicks at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images
Despite the win, there was nothing great that unfolded for the Timberwolves on Wednesday. Things took an ugly turn for the team, and they could’ve avoided some of it. Or, maybe not who knows? And while Antman’s 33 points, Julius Randle’s 28 points, and Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s 23 points helped the team clinch their win, there’s a lot more to worry about than the wins and losses.
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