Timberwolves’ Chris Finch ejected after berating official less than 6 minutes into win over Thunder

Four members of the Minnesota Timberwolves staff had to hold back Chris Finch as the sixth-year head coach wanted more.
Finch was still listening to an official after being ejected less than six minutes into Friday night’s 112-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder. It erupted after a non-call against Julius Randle, who was stripped following an offensive rebound at 6:23 of the first quarter.
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Minnesota didn’t get a whistle on a layup attempt by fellow Wolves star Anthony Edwards earlier in the possession.
After the ball was stolen from Randle, Finch threw his hands up in frustration. Then he drifted onto the field. As the Thunder moved the ball up the court, the play was whistled because Finch continued to move closer and let the official know of his displeasure.
As the broadcast showed Edwards arguing with another manager, Finch could be seen in the background, still angry about the situation.
After being thrown, Finch reversed course, going from a route to the bench to the official. He ran his mouth and pointed his finger while four Wolves staff members restrained him.
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Eventually, Finch headed to the locker room to the cheers of the Minnesota crowd who were also unhappy with the officiating.
The reigning NBA champion Thunder, down to 25-3 this season, defeated the Timberwolves in the Western Conference Finals last season.
Oklahoma City has been criticized for receiving favorable whistles during its recent string of huge successes. However, there is no denying the Thunder’s dominance.
OKC entered Friday night with an average margin of victory of 16.9 points, easily the best in the NBA this season and a mark that would be the best ever if the Thunder maintained it.



