Timberwolves Coach Praises Gobert, Then Blasts Referees: "16 Free Throws is Too Many!"

Pulse Sports Team 00:10 - 19 April 2026

The Denver Nuggets kicked off their NBA championship quest with a victory, defeating the Minnesota Timberwolves (116-105) at home in Game 1 of their Western Conference Quarterfinals series. After the game, Wolves coach Chris Finch addressed the media.

You could follow the Denver Nuggets – Minnesota Timberwolves game live on Sportal.

Following the game, Finch lauded Rudy Gobert's defense on Nikola Jokic, despite the Serbian center recording a triple-double with 25 points, 13 rebounds, and 11 assists. On the other hand, the Timberwolves coach was bothered by Jamal Murray scoring 16 of his 30 points from the free-throw line.

Rudy was excellent tonight, he was good on both ends of the court. He finished well. He played a great game. However, what makes you wonder is Murray having 16 free throws. I thought we played good defense on him, we were very physical, he sought contact, he made plays, and he was rewarded. Jokic did the same, we need to be tough. 16 free throws is a lot, it's really a lot. Almost as many as we had...Chris Finch

He then revisited the Gobert-Jokic matchup.