Key Highlights
- The Minnesota Timberwolves secured their most complete game of the season following head coach Chris Finch’s ejection.
- Anthony Edwards led the Wolves with 26 points and 12 rebounds in a 112-107 victory over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
- Finch’s outburst energized the crowd, who rallied behind their team during the game.
- The Wolves’ strong performance included an abundance of free throws and impressive rebounding numbers.
Coach Finch’s Ejection Ignites Minnesota Timberwolves
MINNEAPOLIS — The pressure and magma had been building under Mt. Finch for years. It was only a matter of time before the volcano would erupt, and it did just that on Friday night when the Oklahoma City Thunder visited the Target Center.
Finch’s Outburst Sparks the Team
When Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards drove to the lane early in the first quarter without getting a whistle, the tectonic plates started to shift. Julius Randle’s rebound attempt was met with a foul call that enraged head coach Chris Finch, who exploded onto the court and was ejected after two technical fouls within five minutes.
“I’ve never seen him run on the court,” said Wolves forward Naz Reid. “It got us going, flipped the script. It was exciting to see.”
A Thrilling Bare-Knuckle Brawl
The Timberwolves and Thunder entered the game with a Western Conference finals rematch in December, but it quickly turned into a bare-knuckle brawl. Neither team shot the ball well, yet both went at each other as if another trip to the NBA Finals was on the line.
The Wolves outrebounded the Thunder 57-52, outscored them 29-18 in second-chance points, and held them to 37 percent shooting from the field. The key difference came at the free-throw line, where Minnesota shot 47 times compared to Oklahoma City’s 25.
Timberwolves’ Strong Performance
Rudy Gobert snatched 14 rebounds, including six on the offensive end, and controlled the paint. Donte DiVincenzo contributed with 15 points and four three-pointers. The Wolves also benefited from a robust defensive effort, particularly in limiting Gilgeous-Alexander to just eight free throws.
Edwards returned from a three-game absence due to a foot injury, scoring 26 points and grabbing 12 rebounds in 41 minutes. His performance was crucial, especially in the final moments when he blocked a drive by Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and stripped him with under five seconds left.
Coach Finch’s Reaction and Future Implications
Finch did not speak to reporters after the game but might have said that this was the culmination of years of frustration for him regarding how he sees the Thunder being officiated. The Timberwolves players, including Edwards and DiVincenzo, expressed their frustration with the Thunder’s defensive tactics.
While Finch’s outburst may not be sustainable in the long term, it provided a spark that led to the Wolves’ most complete game of the season against a team that has dominated the league through 28 games. The Timberwolves (18-10) now need to maintain this level of play as they continue their challenging season.
By Jon Krawczynski, Senior Writer for The Athletic covering the Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, and the Minnesota Vikings.
