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Timberwolves Take Action Against Warriors Before Game 2

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jeremy Beren | Last updated May 7, 2025 4:40 PM ET

The Minnesota Timberwolves' offense struggled mightily in Game 1 of their second-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors.

Without injured superstar Stephen Curry, the Warriors tightened up on defense and limited the Timberwolves to just 11 points in the second quarter. Minnesota scored only 88 points for the game and shot under 40-percent in an 11-point loss that irked head coach Chris Finch.

Finch has alleged that officials missed several calls against the Wolves in Game 1. He told reporters on Wednesday that the team has sent clips from Game 1 to the league office for review, specifically bemoaning the Warriors' level of activity around star center Rudy Gobert.

Chris Finch on the Warriors in Game 1: “They do a lot of fouling, holding, shoving, pushing and tackling Rudy [Gobert].” Finch said the Wolves have submitted clips to the league office to review the officiating and what was missed. pic.twitter.com/lMSltie2oq
— Dave McMenamin (@mcten) May 7, 2025

"(The Warriors) do a lot of fouling, holding, shoving, pushing and tackling Rudy," Finch said.

Gobert labored through Game 1, scoring nine points and grabbing 11 rebounds in 26 minutes. The four-time Defensive Player of the Year told ESPN postgame that he did not see a change in approach from the Warriors relative to how they defended him during the regular season, but Finch believes that the tape tells all about Gobert's quiet Game 1.

“It looks like pulling guards and linemen out there, taking shots at Rudy,” Finch told reporters.

Finch's claims may not stand up entirely to scrutiny; the Wolves were whistled for 21 fouls against the Warriors' 18, and Minnesota shot 17 free throws relative to 18 attempts for Golden State.

Still, ahead of a crucial Game 2, Finch and the Wolves will seek any advantage possible as they try to even the series amid Curry's hamstring injury.

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

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