Timberwolves’ Chris Finch Ejected in Heated NBA Clash with Suns

PHOENIX, Ariz. — Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was ejected during Wednesday night’s game against the Phoenix Suns at the Footprint Center after receiving his second technical foul in the third quarter. The incident occurred with 5:07 remaining in the quarter, marking Finch’s first career ejection.

The technical foul came after Finch appeared to be engaged in a calm conversation with referee CJ Washington. Suddenly, Washington turned and signaled the technical, prompting Finch to erupt in anger. Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards intervened, pulling Finch back as the coach confronted Washington.

“Well then, CJ Washington gives Chris Finch his second tech, Finch gets tossed, and then explodes at Washington,” tweeted Charlie Walton, a local sports commentator. “For the second-straight game at Footprint Center, Micah Nori takes over as the stand-in head coach. You can’t make it up, man.”

Finch had already received his first technical foul in the opening quarter. His ejection follows a previous incident during Game 4 of the 2024 first-round playoff series against the Suns, when point guard Mike Conley accidentally collided with Finch after a foul by Devin Booker.

Assistant coach Micah Nori assumed head coaching duties for the remainder of the game. The Timberwolves and Suns were locked in a back-and-forth contest at the time of Finch’s ejection.

The Suns entered the game with All-Star Kevin Durant listed as available despite a left thumb injury. Meanwhile, the Timberwolves sought to maintain their momentum in a tightly contested Western Conference race.