Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch reiterated his frustration with the officiating after Game 1, pointing specifically to Denver guard Jamal Murray’s 16 free-throw attempts.
Finch argued that Minnesota’s players aren’t receiving comparable calls because they don’t embellish contact, saying, “Maybe we gotta start flopping.” He framed the issue as a difference in how contact is being rewarded, suggesting his team’s approach isn’t being reflected at the free-throw line.
Finch’s message after Game 1
The Timberwolves coach emphasized that his complaint was rooted in what he viewed as an imbalance in how fouls were being called, with Murray repeatedly getting to the stripe. Finch’s comments underscored his belief that selling contact influences outcomes on certain plays and that Minnesota’s style may be costing it whistles.
Finch’s remarks come as the Timberwolves look to respond following the series opener, with the free-throw disparity and Murray’s trips to the line becoming a focal point in the immediate aftermath.