NBA Announce Punishment Decision for Timberwolves on Sunday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio G Losada | Last updated Dec 21, 2025 11:50 AM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves returned to Target Center on Friday night for a high-profile game against the NBA-best Oklahoma City Thunder.

Anthony Edwards returned from injury to lead the Timberwolves to a 112–107 win with 26 points and 12 rebounds. The Thunder, who began the season 24–1, dropped their second game in three outings after falling to the San Antonio Spurs in the NBA Cup semifinals.

With the reigning champions in town and a national broadcast in play, the intensity was a bit higher than usual in Minnesota, and the most dramatic moment came less than halfway through the first quarter.

Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was ejected with 6 minutes, 19 seconds left in the opening period after arguing multiple non-calls while venturing onto the court to confront a referee.

The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/IgteLkrlBO
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) December 21, 2025

Finch's ultimate outburst began when Julius Randle tried to attempt a layup, only to lose the ball through contact at the rim without a whistle.

The Wolves coach chased referee John Butler to make his case, earning an initial technical foul. Things escalated from there, with Finch's protest expanding to the full crew, not just Butler.

Two technicals were handed out, and Finch was escorted off the court after being restrained by Minnesota assistants and team staff.

The incident drew a deafening reaction from the home crowd and a mix of cheers and boos as Finch left the court.

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch.Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images

The NBA announced Finch's punishment on Sunday after reviewing the sequence, handing him a $35,000 fine.

“Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch has been fined $35,000 for directing inappropriate language toward game officials and failing to leave the court in a timely manner following his ejection,” the NBA wrote in a statement. “The incident occurred with 6:19 remaining in the first quarter of the Timberwolves’ 112–107 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder on Dec. 19 at Target Center.”

Minnesota hosts the Milwaukee Bucks next on Sunday at 7 p.m. ET.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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