The NBA has fined Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch $35,000 for using inappropriate language toward officials and delaying his exit after an ejection during a win over the Oklahoma City Thunder. The incident occurred early in the first quarter of the December 19 game at Target Center. Finch's outburst followed disputed non-calls on key plays involving his players.
On December 19, 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-107 at Target Center, but the game was overshadowed by an early ejection of head coach Chris Finch. With 6:19 remaining in the first quarter, Finch was assessed two technical fouls and removed from the contest after confronting referee John Butler over non-calls. The frustration stemmed from a sequence where Julius Randle was stripped of the ball following an offensive rebound without a whistle, and earlier, Anthony Edwards did not receive a call on a layup attempt.
Finch threw up his hands in frustration, drifted onto the court, and approached the official as play was stopped. After his ejection, he reversed direction toward the referee, pointing and continuing to argue, requiring four Timberwolves staff members to restrain him and escort him to the locker room. The home crowd cheered Finch's protest, reflecting shared discontent with the officiating.
The NBA announced the fine on December 21, 2025, citing Finch for directing inappropriate language at game officials and failing to leave the court promptly. This marks a notable incident for Finch, who is in his sixth season with the Timberwolves, holding a 227-170 record and leading the team to the Western Conference finals in each of the past two seasons.
Anthony Edwards returned from a three-game absence due to a right foot issue, contributing 26 points and 12 rebounds in the victory. The Thunder, the reigning NBA champions, fell to 25-3 on the season despite their strong start, having entered with the league's best average margin of victory at 16.9 points.
