In the heat of playoff intensity, the Timberwolves found themselves at a crossroads after a 112-104 loss to the Golden State Warriors in Game 1 of their series. But it wasn't just the Warriors' dominant play that had Minnesota head coach Chris Finch speaking out—his frustration was directed squarely at the officiating.
"We'll take justice into our own hands if we have to," Finch declared, criticizing what he perceived as a disparity in foul calls. Finch's comments came in response to pivotal moments in the game where he felt his team was on the short end of the whistle.
The Timberwolves, who fought valiantly with Karl-Anthony Towns and Anthony Edwards leading their charge, succumbed to a late surge by the Warriors, driven by Stephen Curry's masterful 38-point outing. Yet, Finch's focus remained on the officiating, which he implied disrupted the flow and physicality of the game.
"We just want a fair shot. Let the players decide the game," Finch elaborated in the post-game press conference. The Timberwolves' head coach avoided further penalties by sidestepping direct criticism of the league's officials but made it clear that his team would be prepared for Game 2 with a renewed mindset.
As the series moves forward, eyes will be on how the Timberwolves adjust both their strategy and their mental game, seeking to balance controlled aggression while adhering to Finch’s vision of equitable play.
Game 2 in the series is set to tip-off on Tuesday, with the Timberwolves eager to even the score and deliver a performance that shifts the momentum in their favor.
