While the Minnesota Timberwolves emerged triumphant over the Oklahoma City Thunder in the second game of their back-to-back on Monday, head coach Chris Finch was left frustrated by his opponent’s aggressive play. The two teams look to be even matched, making the margins that much slimmer. Subsequently, Finch didn’t flinch before calling out the refereeing in favor of the Thunder.
Chris Finch Frustrated By Oklahoma City Thunder’s Aggressive Perimeter Defense
Oklahoma City is on pace to clinch the No. 1 seed in the Western Conference for the second season in a row. They have easily handed defeats to impressive teams like the New York Knicks this season and have the best point differential in NBA history.
However, there have been concerns over the Thunder’s aggressive defensive approach, which has often pushed the limits of what the referees will allow. They have been led by the MVP candidate, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who has often made a profit drawing fouls and getting to the free-throw line.
While the Timberwolves couldn’t contain Gilgeous-Alexander yet again on Monday, they forced the Thunder into their first overtime game of the season and won 131-128.
Finch nonetheless expressed his frustration with the Thunder’s foul baiting, which he claimed they were engaging in all the time without referees stopping it.
“It’s so frustrating to play this team because they foul a ton,” he said after the game. “They really do. They foul, they foul all the time. And then you can’t really touch Shai. It’s a very frustrating thing, and it takes a lot of mental toughness to play through it.”
“We just eventually were able to go downhill and force the issue ourselves and were rewarded for it.”
Chris Finch on the Thunder:
"It's so frustrating to play this team because they foul a ton. They really do. They foul all the time. And then you can't really touch Shai. And it's a very frustrating thing" pic.twitter.com/EWTarUcqAa
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) February 25, 2025
Oklahoma City was leading through three quarters, and the win was looking more and more unlikely for Minnesota before it stepped up in the fourth quarter and won it 41-19. Gilgeous-Alexander managed 39 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, but he couldn’t win the game for the Thunder, missing the game-tying 3-point attempt in the last minute.
The Timberwolves’ scoring was led by Jaden McDaniels, who finished with 27 points on 9-of-17 shooting, 11 rebounds, four assists, and two steals. Naz Reid had another impressive game amid free agency rumors and made four free throws in the final minute. He finished the night with 22 points on 7-for-21 shooting, 11 rebounds, and three assists.
The Timberwolves improved to a 32-27 record with the overtime victory and are standing seventh in the Western Conference. The Thunder still hold the top spot in the West with a 46-11 record.
