Chris Finch Blames Refs for Wemby’s Block Party vs Timberwolves

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NBA: Playoffs-Minnesota Timberwolves at San Antonio Spurs
Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

When Game 1 of the Minnesota Timberwolves vs San Antonio Spurs playoff series tipped off on Monday, the Wolves were massive +10.5 point underdogs against the Spurs and their 22-year-old unicorn big man, Victor Wembanyama.

And that was AFTER news broke that Anthony “Wolverine” Edwards was officially back in the Wolves’ lineup, just nine days after suffering a bone bruise (hyperextended knee) that was supposed to keep him sidelined for multiple games in round two.

Minnesota Timberwolves steal Game 1 vs Spurs

But as Game 1 went on, it became quite clear that the sportsbooks and entire NBA world had this one wrong. Despite the difficulties Minnesota had getting to the rim on Wemby, the Timberwolves continued to push the envelope on offense.

Their constant aggression forced Wemby to work on both sides of the floor nearly every possession. After the Wolves walked away 104-102 winners, Wembanyama admitted to reporters that he was worn down by the fourth quarter, which showed.

How tough was it for the MN Timberwolves to get inside on the Spurs early in Game 1? Nearly impossible, given the Wembanyama block party happening in the paint.

When the dust settled, San Antonio’s 2023 No. 1 overall draft pick had piled up 12 blocks… in the Spurs loss. Afterward, Wolves head coach Chris Finch wasn’t willing to give Victor all the credit for his Game 1 block party. He wanted to make sure the refs got their flowers too.

Chris Finch calls out refs for swallowing whistle for Victor Wembanyama

As Finchy noted, there is no way the young unicorn gets his double-digit block count without the refs swallowing their whistle on multiple goaltending violations and fouls that went uncalled. But just in case you don’t trust the head coach, I brought some receipts for him.

“[We had] a little bit better spacing, a little bit better off-ball movement [in the second half]. You know, he had a lot of blocks. He had a couple uncalled goaltends too. So, those are valuable points we’d like to have back.”

Chris Finch talks about Victor Wembanyama during Game 1 postgame press conference (above)

While Victor Wembanyama may now hold the record for most blocks in an NBA Playoff game, he did not come out of it with a victory. And now, with the Wolves already up 1-0, their only getting healthier, as they learn how to operate their offense with the 2026 Defensive Player of the Year lurking.

How did the MN Timberwolves beat Spurs?

As Finch noted during his press conference, the Minnesota Timberwolves offense looked better and better, as the game went on.

They started using their bigs to pin or box Wemby out of the lane on dribble drives, then lead him away from the basket on ball screens and, when he was baring down on the lane, drivers kicked out and found open shooters outside the arc.

More Wolves News: HOF QB Praises Chris Finch for Admitting Mistake

Wemby finished with a dozen blocks but he scored just 11 points and went 5-of-17 from the field (0-of-8 from 3PT). Meanwhile, and injured Anthony Edwards put up 18 pts, 3 rebounds and 3 assists off the bench.

Julius Randle went for 21 points and 10 rebounds, Jaden McDaniels poured in 16 of his own, despite foul trouble all night. And Rudy, who guarded Wemby much of the night, grabbed 10 rebounds and 4 steals to go with his 7 points and 3 assists.

“I thought there was smarter offense to be had in the second half, and I think we did a better job of finding that.”

Chris Finch on MN Timberwolves finding their offense in the second half (top video)

Just like last year (and the year before that), nobody believed the Minnesota Timberwolves could make a run through the Western Conference. However, the doubt is much thicker in 2026, especially since the end of round one.

However, if they go into San Antonio and steal both of the first two games in this series against the Spurs… it will put even the biggest doubters on notice.

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