The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Phoenix Suns 121-113 during Wednesday night’s match before tensions boiled over. Near the end of the game Jaden McDaniels got ejected after poking the face of Devin Booker. Coach Chris Finch received dismissal from the game alongside McDaniels who became the second Timberwolf to get ejected from the game.

Minnesota is now riding a four-game win streak, but McDaniels’ actions might have consequences. If the NBA steps in, a suspension could be on the way. Chris Finch probably isn’t thrilled about another officiating controversy either.

McDaniels and Booker had been chirping at each other all game. With 20 seconds left, things finally escalated. The two squared up, and McDaniels reached out and poked Booker in the face. The refs immediately called technical fouls on both, but since McDaniels made physical contact, he got ejected while Booker stayed in.

The game closed on a difficult note for McDaniels even though he demonstrated skill on the court. McDaniels ended the match with 14 points after four successful shots from seven attempts while collecting six rebounds and dishing out three assists and making two steals in 37 minutes.

The Suns guard has already used physical contact against Booker multiple times. The Wolves defeated the Suns in last year’s playoff series by having McDaniels play physical defense against Booker in that matchup. Some fans love his intensity. Some people believe his behavior has exceeded suitable boundaries. Following many strict penalties issued by the NBA against unnecessary contact enforcement this could lead to a punishment by fines or suspension.

Chris Finch’s Ejection Lit a Fire Under the Wolves

Before McDaniels’ late-game drama, Chris Finch got ejected in the third quarter. Frustrated with the officiating all night, he exchanged words with referee C.J. Washington. That earned him his second technical foul—and his first-ever ejection as an NBA head coach.

At the time, the Wolves were trailing 72-70. Losing their head coach could have been a disaster. Instead, it fired them up.

Anthony Edwards took over immediately, finishing with 33 points while throwing down highlight-reel dunks in the fourth quarter. Nickeil Alexander-Walker stepped up too, dropping 23 points and five three-pointers off the bench. Julius Randle added 28 points, helping Minnesota flip the script.

The biggest difference? Defense.

The Wolves clamped down in the second half, holding the Suns to just 18 points in the third quarter. Finch’s ejection—and Minnesota’s defensive switch—completely changed the game.

Minnesota’s Depth Comes Through, But What’s Next for McDaniels?

The Wolves played without Naz Reid (flu) and had several players battling illness. Rookie Rob Dillingham was also questionable but managed to play. Despite that, Minnesota controlled the paint and shot an impressive 56% from the field.

Phoenix got big nights from Kevin Durant (33 points) and Booker (28), but once the Wolves’ defense locked in, the Suns couldn’t keep up.

Now, the big question: Will McDaniels face a suspension?

The NBA has cracked down hard on unnecessary contact. A fine seems likely, and a suspension wouldn’t be surprising. That would be a huge loss for Minnesota, especially on defense.

Finch’s ejection, while it worked in their favor this time, also raises concerns. The Wolves have had issues with officiating all season. If these battles with the refs keep happening, it could hurt them down the stretch.

Still, this was a statement win. The Wolves took down a serious Western Conference contender, even with all the chaos. Now, they just have to wait on McDaniels’ fate—and keep the momentum rolling.