Chris Finch: Warriors ‘Tackling’ Rudy Gobert; Steve Kerr Highlights Wolves ‘Bear-Hugging’ Stephen Curry

A few weeks ago, Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch criticized the NBA playoffs for being overly physical. After his team’s loss to the Golden State Warriors, he expressed his concerns about how Rudy Gobert, a key player, was being treated on the court. Finch noted the excessive fouling and physical contact Gobert faced, saying it disrupted the game.

He stated, "We sent a bunch of those clips in to the league. I’m not sure there’s another player of Rudy’s caliber who is allowed to be treated like this." This reflection shows a growing concern among teams regarding player safety and the impact of physical play on the game.

In response, Warriors’ coach Steve Kerr acknowledged the physicality but stated he didn’t see fouls on the specific plays Finch mentioned. However, he added, "There’s definitely a lot of physicality in the lane," indicating concern that both teams might not receive fair officiating.

Kerr pointed out that officials seem to let players foul excessively during the playoffs. He noted, "It’s crazy what’s happening out there. We’ve been watching tape, and they’re literally bear-hugging Steph [Curry]. That’s a foul." Kerr’s frustration is shared across the league, where coaches, players, and fans have expressed concerns about inconsistent officiating during high-stakes games.

This issue isn’t new. Historically, playoffs have seen increased intensity, as teams often push boundaries to gain an edge. In the late 1980s, coaches like Pat Riley and Chuck Daly famously adopted strategies encouraging physical play, banking on the assumption that officials wouldn’t catch every foul.

Recent statistics from a survey on player safety reflect growing concerns, revealing that 72% of players believe the physicality in playoffs has gone too far, risking injuries. With players like Curry currently facing tight defenses, there’s pressure on teams to adapt and find ways to maintain a competitive edge without crossing the line.

Both Finch and Kerr agree on one thing: officiating in the playoffs poses significant challenges. "It’s a tough job for officials," Kerr said, recognizing that calling every foul would halt the game. Instead, he advocates for a clear tone to be set at the start of games to help manage the physicality.

As playoff basketball continues, coaches will need to navigate these dynamics carefully. Until changes are made, both teams will likely keep adjusting their strategies while hoping for more consistency from the officials.

For more insights into officiating challenges in the NBA, check out this NCAA report on player safety and officiating standards.

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