The NBA fined Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert $25,000 and head coach Chris Finch $15,000 after their critical comments of officiating after Wednesday’s loss in Phoenix.
The following was released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/4DpTkYpAvo
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 31, 2023
Gobert had the harsher criticism of officials saying:
“It’s really not fair. Every night. 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.”
The Wolves were once again on the wrong end of a massive free throw disparity Wednesday night when the Suns were given 27 free throw attempts to the Wolves’ 12 in a 107-100 loss.
“It’s hard for me to think they didn’t try to help the Warriors win the other night or Sacramento Kings the other night. It’s just so obvious,” continued Gobert. “As a basketball player that’s been in this league for so long, it’s disrespectful and it sucks, to be honest.”
Finch was a little more reserved with his comments Wednesday saying:
“It works because tonight they went to the line 27 times and we went to the line 12 times,” he said. “Sitting up here and talking about it or whatever, must have worked for them. Because this is a team that doesn’t historically draw fouls at the rate they did.”
The Wolves’ head coach has previously voiced his displeasure with a lack of calls for the team, most notably during the first half against the 76ers earlier this month.
“What do we gotta do to get a call at the basket down here? What do we gotta do, just tell me so I can tell them at halftime” – Chris Finch pic.twitter.com/ROQxvCGyRE
— Timberwolves Clips (@WolvesClips) March 8, 2023
The Wolves are advising fans to arrive early with an expected full house against the Lakers Friday night. Tip off is set for 7 p.m. with doors opening at 5:30 p.m.
