The Minnesota Timberwolves suffered a 99-88 Game 1 loss to the Golden State Warriors despite Stephen Curry leaving early due to a hamstring injury. However, it appears Minnesota is upset with the officiating, as reports indicate the team sent video evidence to the NBA of Golden State “tackling” Rudy Gobert.

During a discussion with media members, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch openly criticized the Warriors for how they defended Gobert throughout the Game 1 contest, according to David McMenamin of ESPN. Finch doesn't like how Golden State is treating his 32-year-old center in defensive rebounding situations.

“Well, on defensive rebounding, they do a lot of fouling, holding, shoving, pushing, and tackling Rudy. That's clear, and we sent a bunch of clips to the league.”

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 ·

Gobert ended the evening with nine points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks. It was a physical game throughout, but the Warriors were only called for 18 personal fouls, with the Timberwolves being called for 21. Draymond Green led the contest with five personal fouls while Gary Payton II, Julius Randle, and Naz Reid all had four.

The physicality of the Warriors-Timberwolves series was a bit expected, as Green and Gobert have feuded in the past. However, in comparison to the Houston Rockets, Game 1 between Golden State and Minnesota didn't appear to be nearly as physical. Regardless, Finch seemingly believes the Warriors attacked Gobert unfairly in the first game of the seven-game series.

Game 2 is set for Thursday night with the Timberwolves aiming to even up the series 1-1 in a home game in Minnesota. Stephen Curry has already been ruled out for the Warriors, which means Jimmy Butler and the rest of the team will have to step up big time. It gives Minnesota a real chance to take advantage of Curry's absence and tie up the series before it goes to Golden State in Games 3 and 4.