Timberwolves coach Chris Finch calls referee Tony Brothers’ actions ‘completely unprofessional’

TL;DR

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch criticized referee Tony Brothers for unprofessional conduct during Game 3 against San Antonio, claiming Brothers delayed granting a timeout request. Finch stated that this nearly led to a turnover and described Brothers' behavior as unacceptable.

Key points

Chris Finch criticized referee Tony Brothers
Timeout request was delayed during Game 3
Finch claimed it nearly caused a turnover
Brothers shouted at Finch after the timeout
Finch described Brothers' behavior as unprofessional

Mentioned in this story

Chris FinchTony Brothers

TimberwolvesGame 3San Antonio

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch wanted to call a timeout with five minutes to play Friday and the Wolves trailing Game 3 against San Atnonio by two.

Finch felt official Tony Brothers waited three ticks too long to grant the request and, per his account, told Brothers “I want my three seconds back.”

“Because he clearly heard me. He looked my way, ignored me, went on with the play, and then gave me it. It almost cost us the turnover,” Finch said. “And then he lost it.”

“Lost it” is a subjective term, but Finch then claims he went to ask Brothers where the ball would be inbounded from after the timeout, at which point Brothers turned and took a couple steps toward Finch before shouting in his direction.

“So, completely unprofessional behavior by him,” Finch said.

It is rare for an NBA official to get into a shouting match with a player or coach. But Finch’s account is only one side of the story. And the Timberwolves’ coach is possibly the biggest complainer — both during the game and after — re: officials.

Nearly every time the refs make a trip down the floor, Finch has something to say in their ear. That likely can be grating. Still, does that give the refs justification to bark back? Or should they merely “take” the verbal scolding from players and coaches with little to no reaction?

Certainly, refs never want to become a major storyline in the game. The 61-year-old Brothers crossed that threshold Friday. Whether any discip

“It’s competition at the highest level. We want to win, Finchy want to win. Tony Brothers is Tony Brothers,” Wolves guard Anthony Edwards said. “We all love him, so it’s all good.

Q&A

What did Timberwolves coach Chris Finch say about referee Tony Brothers?

Chris Finch called Tony Brothers' actions 'completely unprofessional' after a timeout request was delayed.

How did the delay in granting the timeout affect the Timberwolves' game?

The delay nearly resulted in a turnover for the Timberwolves during a critical moment in Game 3.

What incident led to Finch's criticism of referee Tony Brothers?

Finch's criticism stemmed from Brothers ignoring his timeout request, which he felt was unprofessional and almost cost the team a turnover.