Even though the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday, head coach Chris Finch vented on the foul calls Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gets.

The Timberwolves rallied down 25 points to take down the Thunder 131-128 in overtime. They trailed 80-55 midway through the third quarter but came back by outscoring their opponent 76-48 to get the hard-earned win.

However, they had to get past Gilgeous-Alexander's elite ability in drawing foul calls. He goes to the free-throw line 8.8 times per game this season; on Monday, he went to the charity stripe 17 times. By game's end, he finished with 39 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists.

Finch reflected on that aspect after the game. He showed visible frustration towards Gilgeous-Alexander's tendency to draw fouls, which prevents his team from having an advantage against the MVP candidate.

“It's so frustrating to play this team because they foul a ton. They really do. They foul all the time. And then you can't really touch Shai. And it's a very frustrating thing,” Finch said.

To Finch's point about the Thunder fouling a ton, they did get whistled for 30 fouls, which led to 39 Timberwolves free throws. The charity stripe played a big role Minnesota coming back and ultimately winning the game.

Article Continues Below
More Timberwolves News
Cavaliers' guard Darius Garland with Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle - NBA trade rumors and scenarios
Timberwolves’ Darius Garland trade headlines 4 intriguing scenarios before NBA DraftBrett Siegel ·
Los Angeles Clippers forward Paul George (13) moves the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second half at Crypto.com Arena.
Paul George explains how Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards can reach full potentialTroy Finnegan ·
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) drives to the basket against Oklahoma City Thunder guard Alex Caruso (9) during the third quarter in game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.
Timberwolves’ future in good hands despite major question marksMaya Aflakpi ·
Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) and center Rudy Gobert (27) talk against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the first half during game four of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center.
3 best Minnesota Timberwolves trades using No. 17 pick in 2025 NBA DraftRohan Brahmbhatt ·
Suns forward Kevin Durant (35) brings the ball up as Minnesota Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards (5) defends him in the fourth quarter at Target Center with ESPN's Brian Windhorst in the background
Timberwolves rumors: Brian Windhorst details serious Kevin Durant trade pursuitJosue Pavon ·
Timberwolves' Anthony Edwards and Chris Finch looking pissed off
Minnesota Timberwolves most to blame for playoff series loss to ThunderJedd Pagaduan ·

What's next for Chris Finch, Timberwolves

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch gestures to his team during a play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Paycom Center.
Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Chris Finch's frustrations towards Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's foul calls will blow over, as the Minnesota Timberwolves' playoff pursuit remains of the essence.

The comeback win over the Thunder is big for the Timberwolves given the battle over playoff positioning in the Western Conference. Minnesota now has a 32-27 record, good for seventh in the West standings. They are even with the Los Angeles Clippers while trailing the Houston Rockets by four games, trying to reach the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year.

Following Monday's win over the Thunder, the Timberwolves will prepare for their next matchup. They face the Los Angeles Lakers on Feb. 27 at 10:30 p.m. ET.