Image Source: NBA
[Saba Sports News] The Minnesota Timberwolves lost Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals 108-105 to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, a competitive result on paper. However, coach Chris Finch had a harsh wake-up call for the team.
Finch told reporters on Thursday that the day’s film session had been “rough” and that he delivered a brutally honest message to his players.
“It was a rough film session,” Finch said. “I told the guys, ‘It’s been a long time since I’ve been this disappointed in your effort. Your performance, attitude, application, and attention to detail just weren’t there.’ The Western Conference Finals started. Not sure if they got the memo, but they got it this afternoon.”
Finch’s frustration stemmed from the manner of the loss. The Mavericks outrebounded the Timberwolves by eight and outscored them 62-38 in the paint, poor marks for a team that prides itself on defense. Despite that, the Timberwolves nearly won, opening a four-point lead with about 3:30 remaining before fading down the stretch.
The Timberwolves should be more confident and perform better in Game 2 if they improve their effort.