Chris Finch throws shade at Jamal Murray over Rudy Gobert’s fine
Nov 22, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at the Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch on Tuesday took a little jab at Denver Nuggets point Jamal Murray.
On Tuesday, Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert was hit with a $75,000 fine by the NBA for making a “money” gesture directed toward the referees. The Frenchman made the gesture during the Timberwolves’ Game 4 loss to Denver in the Western Conference semifinals (video here).
During his press conference before Game 5, Finch was asked about the fine Gobert received. Finch condemned his player’s actions but also used the opportunity to throw some shade Murray’s way.
“Obviously, you can’t be showing up the officials like that,” said Finch.
“But I’d like to see the itemized receipt. Because if it’s $75,000 for the money gesture, then it must be $10,000 for the towel and $15,000 for the heating pad? So it’s just kind of a little bit of a head-scratcher to us.”
Chris Finch wants to see an itemized receipt after Rudy gets fined 75k. Takes a shot at Jamal and Nuggets@AltitudeSR
Full presser coming pic.twitter.com/DynFQrvQyo
— Darren McKee (@DMacSportsCO) May 15, 2024
Finch was referencing Murray’s Game 2 tantrum from the Nuggets’ bench.
The Nuggets star was fined $100,000 for throwing not one, but two objects on the floor in frustration, including a towel and heating pad. Murray also flashed the “money” gesture during the contest.
Jamal Murray making the money sign at the officials
This is the same thing Rudy Gobert was fined $100K for in the regular season pic.twitter.com/8ZhGKm63W5
— Wolves Lead (@TWolvesLead) May 7, 2024
The Nuggets climbed out of a 0-2 series hole with two gritty road wins. With how testy the semifinal matchup as gone so far, it won’t be surprising if more fines are dished out before the series ends.