Finch Clashes with Brothers in Wolves' Game 3 Loss

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch clashed twice with veteran NBA referee Tony Brothers during a heated fourth-quarter exchange in the team's 115-108 loss to the San Antonio Spurs in Game 3 of their Western Conference semifinal series on Friday night at Target Center in Minneapolis.

The incident unfolded with 5:12 remaining and the Spurs leading 102-100. Finch attempted to call a timeout, but Brothers delayed granting it by three seconds, allowing play to continue briefly. Finch confronted Brothers, stating afterward, "I told him I want my three seconds back. He clearly heard me call a timeout. He looked my way, ignored me, went on with the play." Brothers then approached the Timberwolves huddle, prompting center Naz Reid to intervene and separate them.

Tensions escalated moments later when Finch approached Brothers to ask about the inbound location for the ensuing play. Brothers reacted strongly, walking toward Finch again, and required restraint from Timberwolves guard Bones Hyland and assistant coach Pablo Prigioni. Finch described Brothers' conduct as "completely unprofessional," adding, "He lost it. Then I went to ask him where the ball was going to be taken in, and...