An NBA game briefly spun out of control Saturday night, May 9, 2026, when a referee had to be physically held back during a confrontation with Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch.
According to eyewitness video, the official advanced toward the Timberwolves’ bench late in the contest before colleagues intervened and guided him away. The brief standoff paused play and prompted arena security to move closer to the court.
Finch, speaking to reporters afterward, condemned what he called the referee’s “unprofessional behavior,” saying the exchange was unlike anything he had previously experienced on the sideline. He did not elaborate on what sparked the dispute.
League representatives had not issued a statement on the incident as of early Sunday, and it remains unclear whether the referee or either team will face disciplinary action.
The game resumed moments after the altercation and finished without additional interruptions.
Source: New York Post
