Timberwolves Coach Dumbfounded with Refs’ Mistreatment of Rudy Gobert

After the Minnesota Timberwolves lost game one of the western conference semifinals against the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday, their head coach Chris Finch has had no issues voicing his displeasures for those around him.

Right after the loss on Tuesday, Finchy took aim at his superstar, Anthony Edwards, who scored just one single point in the first half of game one, before exploding for 22 points in a second half Wolves comeback that never really got close.

Going forward, even with Steph Curry out, the Wolves will need Ant to be locked in. We don’t know what Golden State will look like without their superstar, but we know for sure that Jimmy Butler, Draymond Green and the boys are going to be ready for war. Minnesota, led by their 23-year-old phenom, must match that intensity.

Chris Finch mad at the refs for treatment of Rudy Gobert

Chris Finch’s disgust, following game one, goes beyond Ant or his team’s inability to shoot during most of the last two games. NBA referees are not on his good side right now, either.

On Wednesday, the third-year Minnesota Timberwolves head coach was asked how Golden State fared so well in the rebounding category on Tuesday (GSW 51, MIN 41) despite the Warriors significant size disadvantage.

That’s when Finch took aim at the referees, specifically at how they allow Rudy Gobert to be ‘fouled, shoved, held, pushed and tackled’ down low. The Wolves sent multiple clips into the league office, per Finch. Man, the head coach is trying to keep everyone on their toes for game two. These quotes are something.

Chris Finch on the Warriors in Game 1: “They do a lot of fouling, holding, shoving, pushing and tackling Rudy [Gobert].” Finch said the Wolves have submitted clips to the league office to review the officiating and what was missed. pic.twitter.com/lMSltie2oq

— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 7, 2025

“At which end of the floor? They do a lot of fouling, shoving, holding, pushing and tackling Rudy. That’s clear. We sent a bunch of those clips into the league. In fact, I’m not sure I know another player in the league with Rudy’s pedigree that is allowed to be physically beaten on the way he is. And so we’ve got to address that one way or another.”

“We’ll certainly try to take justice into our own hands whenever we can. I think that’s the nature of a physical sport, but by the same token, my God, you should see some of these clips. They look like pulling guards and linemen out there, just taking shots at Rudy.”

Chris Finch (quotes via Star Tribune)

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach has strategic anger

I’m sure Rudy Gobert — who scored 9 points and grabbed 11 rebounds (plus 3 blocks) in game one — was under attack on Tuesday. Just look at who the Timberwolves are playing, and who he is matched up against much of the time, in Draymond Green. But, Finchy’s tongue lashing of the refs between games one and two is strategic.

Warriors have Jimmy Butler on Rudy and Draymond on Julius Randle and you can see the battle. Randle/Gobert P&R is a switch. Wolves look to have Conley screen for Edwards to get Curry in action. Turns the corner but you see the help. Kick to McDaniels, have to make them pay. pic.twitter.com/iR8ZT8xjLT

— Steve Jones Jr. (@stevejones20) May 7, 2025

Rudy Gobert PnR layup over Draymond Green, assisted by Anthony Edwards pic.twitter.com/0gjW4RVxrt

— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) May 7, 2025

Related: Chris Finch Puts Anthony Edwards on Blast After Timberwolves Loss

Even if it costs him a fine, he wants to make sure the zebras have their eyes wide open on Thursday night. We’ll find out early whether or not they are listening. Game two is scheduled to tip at 7:30 p.m. CDT. Target Center is sure to be rocking. Hopefully the Minnesota Timberwolves are much more ready to play than they were in game one.