Revealed: “Derogatory” Comments That Got Chris Finch Ejected from Wolves vs Suns
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach was the spark that started the fire under his players’ asses en route to a 121-113 road win over Phoenix, Wednesday. The Wolves were without Naz Reid (illness) and finished the game without head coach Chris Finch. He was ejected after picking up a second technical foul with 5:07 left in the third quarter.
The Suns led 72-70 when Finch was ejected. The Timberwolves pulled away minutes later. They ran away with a win that will go a long way in building belief that this team is not far off from replicating last season’s success.
Related: 3 Minnesota Timberwolves Problems Solved vs the Nuggets
Coach Finch was issued his first technical foul for profanity with five minutes remaining in the first quarter. It seemed Finch was dead-set on earning his first ejection as an NBA head coach. It had the desired effect.
The Minnesota Timberwolves played angry vs Phoenix
Chris Finch reportedly “woke up choosing violence” on Wednesday. That’s how Nickeil Alexander-Walker described his coach’s attitude to Chris Hine of The Minnesota Star Tribune. It was apparent to everyone attending their film session, Wednesday. But rewatching that Atlanta game would anger most fans, let alone players and coaches.
“Finch is typically candid in these sessions, and he isn’t afraid to get on players, regardless of their status on the team. Edwards has never been spared from Finch’s film clips and sharp tongue that offers blunt critiques. Wednesday’s was at another level, the players said. Nobody escaped Finch’s wrath.“
-Chris Hine, The Minnesota Star Tribune
The Timberwolves took on the the demeanor of their head coach, playing with a fire reminiscent of their playoff sweep of the Suns last season. After failing to show a spark in the win over uber-injured Atlanta, the team showed a cohesiveness and camaraderie Timberwolves fans haven’t seen from this group.
A basketball official’s perspective
As a high school basketball official, I can provide the refs’ perspective on this. Every ref with whom I work does their damnedest to avoid issuing technical fouls. The few I know working college games have the same objective. But the higher the level of play, the more instances there will be where technical fouls are warranted and necessary. That’s why it seems like NBA officials hand out techs like candy.
Related: Timberwolves Land Youngster on NBA Rising Stars Roster
Technical fouls aren’t issued in a vacuum, either. Officials don’t forget that Chris Finch picked up his first technical seven minutes into the game for profanity. In fact, during the first timeout after issuing that technical foul, the officiating crew is likely discussing how long a leash they’re going to allow him. Typically, that leash is damn short.
The second tech always comes more easily than the first. This is why I was surprised by how surprised Finch looked when he was ejected. He appeared to be making small talk with Bradley Beal on the sideline. This happened as the officials and scorekeepers determined whether the score was correct. Finch reportedly called the officiating crew “bozos” when talking to Beal during the delay.
Crew chief Pat Fraher told a pool reporter Finch used “profanity” directed toward one official. On the second technical, Fraher said Finch made “derogatory comments toward all of the officials.” A source who asked not to be identified said Finch referred to the officials as “bozos.”
-Chris Hine, The Minnesota Star Tribune
Chris Finch EJECTED…Bradley Beal’s reaction. 😂
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) January 30, 2025
pic.twitter.com/nyoOXfpXB6
Why ‘bozo’ is enough to get tossed
It might seem ridiculous considering some of the language that sneaks through the on-court microphones and into our living rooms. However, any derogatory comment about the officials warrants the issuance of a technical foul. While Finch’s comment was meant for Beal, it was delivered right in front of an official. The official rightfully issued a technical foul.
Related: Souhan Reintroduces Concerns Over Lore + A-Rod Financial Stability
It doesn’t matter for whom the message is meant. What matters is what’s meant by the message. The message was meant to undermine the officiating crew’s ability to control the game. If the official within earshot allows Finch’s “bozos” comment to slide, it could inspire more animated criticisms from Beal and his teammates, too.
The officiating crew deserves credit for controlling what tends to be a chippy game. This holds true whether a coach is pissed off or not. They handled this beautifully. Chris Finch also played it perfect. He got what he wanted out of his team and did so with maybe the least disrespectful diss in the English language. And the Minnesota Timberwolves overcame their shared shame to look like the team their coach knows they can be.
More About:Minnesota Timberwolves News
You Might Like:
