Last night was a forgettable one for the Timberwolves. They came into Target Center aiming to extend their eight-game winning streak. However, a series of unfortunate events led to them losing in overtime against the Pacers. Of course, the most pivotal moment was the controversial third-quarter ejection of Rudy Gobert. But the NBA’s latest report has exposed another key decision that eventually ended up hurting the home team.

It happened at the fourteen-second mark of the final quarter. As the Pacers were trailing by two points, Obi Toppin jacked up a three to put his team ahead. But his shot was short. Once the ball bounced off the rim, Donte DiVincenzo dove out of bounds to save it. However, his behind-the-back save went through everyone, and the ball crossed the line on the opposite side. Sure enough, the officials awarded the possession to the Pacers as Donte got the last touch on the ball—Or so we thought!

As per league’s report, “DiVincenzo attempts to save the ball and it touches McConnell’s elbow before going out of bounds. Possession should be given to Minnesota instead of Indiana.” Yes, the referees made a massive blunder as TJ McConnell got the final touch on the ball before it went out of bounds and it should have been Wolves’ ball. Unfortunately, the officials’ mistake cost the Minnesota team big time.

After Pacers’ won possession, McConnell ended up making the game tying layup on that very play—Forcing OT. Had the officials made the right decision, the Wolves might have maintained their lead and won in regulation. While NBA’s report cannot change the outcome of the game, it surely adds to Chris Finch and Co.’s frustration.

Chris Finch reveals Harsh Reality about Wolves’ performance as he addresses “Tough” Rudy Gobert decision

While the officials’ blunder was the final nail in the coffin, the Minnesota team had already lost morale when Gobert got ejected. The incident occurred in the third quarter as The Stifle Tower hit Andrew Nembhard with a stiff shoulder while he was driving to the basket. Sure seemed like an act of revenge from Rudy for Nembhard hitting Mike Conley in the face seconds earlier.

Shaken up by the hit, Nembhard retaliated by throwing the ball at Gobert, and officials and teammates separated them before the situation escalated. As expected, both players got tossed from the game following the heated altercation. After the game, Chris Finch revealed his thoughts on Rudy’s ejection, “I thought it was a tough decision to throw Rudy out. Think it was worthy of a two for sure so, but it is what it is.”

Moreover, the head coach was also disappointed with his team’s lack of energy, “I mean we needed to start with that energy we had. We didn’t have any energy, we didn’t have enough physicality, we didn’t have enough force um in the first half. So, we had to find it somewhere.”

Unfortunately, Rudy’s ejection was too big a blow to overcome. Sure, Naz Reid did a solid job replacing him, finishing with 21 points. But it wasn’t enough to win the game. Hopefully, Finch will come more prepared tomorrow when the Wolves face the Pelicans.