In a thrilling Game 1 of their playoff series, San Antonio Spurs rookie sensation Victor Wembanyama etched his name in the history books with a record-breaking 12 blocks. But according to Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch, the French phenom might have had some unexpected help from the officials.
"I've never seen anything like it," Finch remarked Tuesday, visibly frustrated. "We're talking about at least four clear goaltending violations that went uncalled. That's 33 percent of his blocks—eight points in a playoff game."
Throughout Monday's matchup, replays showed several instances where Wembanyama appeared to swat shots after they had already hit the backboard or started their downward trajectory. The Timberwolves bench was incensed, but the whistles stayed silent.
Rudy Gobert, Minnesota's three-time Defensive Player of the Year, couldn't resist a jab. "I want that type of treatment, too," he joked after the game. "Maybe I'd have a few more blocks in my career."
While Finch's comments will likely earn him a fine from the league, the veteran coach understands the game within the game. By publicly questioning the officiating, he's hoping to influence how Wembanyama's shot-blocking will be judged moving forward. "He's a generational talent," Finch added. "He doesn't need the help."
For fans and players alike, the controversy adds another layer to what's shaping up to be a classic playoff series. Whether the refs tighten their whistle in Game 2 remains to be seen—but you can bet the Timberwolves will be watching every single block.
