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[Saba Sports News] Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch appeared to deliver a backhanded compliment to the Oklahoma City Thunder while addressing the media on Tuesday.
Finch praised the Thunder’s off-ball defense through the first four games of the Western Conference Finals, specifically noting how physical they’ve been — though his tone suggested some frustration with how that physicality has been officiated.
“I think off-ball, they were super handsy. I saw a lot of off-ball contact,” Finch said. “Their off-ball defense was largely focused on (Anthony Edwards), trying to jam him up and keep him from being able to get the ball in clean space. I find it also a little interesting that, throughout the entire series, I can’t remember an off-ball foul that’s been called after four games, which is kind of unique. That just speaks volumes (and) is a credit to their off-ball defense.”
It’s hard to tell if Finch was genuinely praising the Thunder or subtly calling out what he sees as officiating inconsistency. Given his history of using press conferences to send messages, it wouldn’t be surprising if this was his way of nudging officials to pay closer attention moving forward.
NBA coaches are strategic with their words, and Finch’s comments seem designed to spotlight what he feels has been a disadvantage for his team — all while keeping the critique just under the surface.