Chris Finch doubles down on Victor Wembanyama’s blocks appeared first on ClutchPoints. Add ClutchPoints as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
On Monday, the Minnesota Timberwolves scraped by with a 104-102 win over the San Antonio Spurs in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals. It wasn’t enough for the defensive-oriented Spurs, despite Victor Wembanyama making history with 12 blocks.
However, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch questioned the legitimacy of Wembanyama’s blocks, accusing him of goaltending even though the Timberwolves came away with the win—a claim that he stands by, per Anthony Slater of ESPN.
“When we looked at them, at least 4 of them were goaltending… You know the value of 8 points in an NBA game?” Finch said.
Also, Rudy Gobert said he wished he had gotten the benefit of the doubt offered to Wemby.
“I wish I had that type of treatment too”, Gobert said.
Even though he later complained, Finich didn’t raise concerns during the game. Wembanyama finished the game with 11 points and 15 rebounds.
According to Finch, eight points is often characterized as a make-or-break scenario that could change the outcome of the game. That is especially the case in a tightly contested game, as Game 1 was.
Meanwhile, Gobert, who is one of the best rim protectors in the NBA, is often called for goaltending. He is 7 feet 1 with a 7 feet 9 wingspan, who runs the risk of goaltending when blocking shots along the backboard.
Overall, the calls apparently going in favor of Wembanyama are probably rooted in a bias for the NBA Defensive Player of the Year.
Game 2 will take place on Wednesday night at the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio.
Related: Timberwolves’ Anthony Edwards, Ayo Dosunmu’s initial injury statuses for Game 2 vs. Spurs
Related: Timberwolves vs. Spurs Game 2 Results According to NBA 2K26
