Chris Finch sends brutal message to Timberwolves after Game 1 loss

November 22, 2021; New Orleans, Louisiana, United States; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch in the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Smoothie King Center. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

The Minnesota Timberwolves lost Game 1 of the Western Conference Finals 108-105 to the Dallas Mavericks on Wednesday, which is a very competitive result on paper. If the team expected to be congratulated for a close loss, coach Chris Finch had a real wake-up call for them.

Finch told reporters Thursday that the day’s film session was “tough” and that he delivered a brutally honest message to his players.

“It was a tough film session,” Finch said, via ESPN’s Dave McMenamin. “I told the guys, ‘I haven’t been this disappointed in your efforts in a long time.’ Your performance, your attitude, your application and your attention to detail just weren’t there. The Western Conference Finals have begun. I don’t know if they got the memo. But they got it this afternoon.

Finch’s frustration came from the manner in which the team lost. The Mavericks outgained them by eight rebounds and outscored them 62-38 in the paint, which are both bad marks for a team that prides itself on its defense. Despite that, they nearly pulled through, opening a four-point lead with about 3:30 remaining before fading down the stretch.

The Timberwolves won’t be lacking in confidence. If they clean up the effort, they should be much better in Game 2.