T-wolves ref gripes get $25K fine for Gobert, $15K for Finch
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, left, talks with Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards, right, during the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns Wednesday, March 29, 2023, in Phoenix. The Suns won 107-100. Credit: AP/Ross D. Franklin
MINNEAPOLIS — The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert $25,000 and coach Chris Finch $15,000 on Friday for their public criticisms of the officiating after their last game.
Finch and Gobert sounded off after Minnesota's 107-100 loss at Phoenix Wednesday, when the Timberwolves were called for 24 fouls compared to 16 on the Suns. Phoenix had 27 free-throw attempts to just 12 for Minnesota.
Gobert raised a generalized complaint that he believes NBA officials favor the high-profile teams and superstar players with close calls the Timberwolves don't get.
“I’ve been in this league for 10 years and I try to always give the benefit of the doubt, but it’s hard for me to think they’re not trying to help them win tonight,” Gobert told reporters after the game.
Finch also noted that Suns coach Monty Williams had been recently critical of the officiating, drawing a $20,000 fine.
"Sitting up here and talking about it or whatever must have worked for them,” Finch said. “Because this is a team that doesn’t historically draw fouls at the rate they did.”
