The NBA has decided that head coach Chris Finch needs to face strict consequences for his recent behavior during a game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and the Oklahoma City Thunder. As the regular season progresses and enters the holiday season, a Western Conference Finals rematch between the Timberwolves and Thunder is something that many fans eagerly anticipate. After all, the Timberwolves were eliminated from the playoffs last season and watched from the sidelines as the Thunder became the NBA champions.
Although the Timberwolves managed to establish that they are still a force to be reckoned with in the West, coach Finch was drawn into the center of attention after an unexpected outburst of emotion and was soon ejected from the game. While some may assume that he faced sufficient consequences, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and other upper-level league officials do not share the same view.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ HC Chris Finch’s Outburst Hands the Defending NBA Champions a Rare Loss
Despite the fact that the OKC Thunder made it through the Western Conference with relative ease and won the title, making franchise history in the process, the team has begun this season like it has something to prove.
In fact, the Thunder had lost only two games heading into their game against Anthony Edwards and the Minnesota Timberwolves. Many believed that the Thunder would reestablish their dominance over the Timberwolves. Perhaps Finch believed that the referees officiating over the game were biased and almost rushed at them over Julius Randle not being given a foul call.
This expression of powerful emotions and frustration, just six minutes into the game, was enough to prompt the other members of the Timberwolves coaching staff to hold back their head coach. Fans were certainly caught off guard to see that four individuals had to work together to hold back Finch.
The NBA has consistently sought to enhance its image and avoid controversies. The league also believes that coaches and players alike should uphold a higher standard of conduct. As a result, it was no real surprise to hear that Finch had been fined $35,000 for his behavior during the Timberwolves vs. Thunder game.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/IgteLkrlBO
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 21, 2025
Since fans and referees are usually not held accountable in comparison to players and coaches, most of the basketball world believed that ejecting and fining Finch for the same mistake was overkill. Some applauded him for getting into the referees’ heads, forcing them to avoid any biased calls that might favor the Thunder.
Even though Finch was not on the sidelines and had to leave the court, the Timberwolves were able to hold off the Thunder, handing the defending champions their third loss of this season.
Given that Finch was estimated to have a net worth of $5 million in 2024, it is safe to say that this fine will not be hard to bear. At the same time, the entire Timberwolves roster might want to consider covering this fine, as their coach was punished for coming to their defense. The relationship between Finch and his players is expected to improve.
