NBA fines Rudy Gobert $25,000 and Timberwolves coach $15,000 for criticizing referees

Minnesota Timberwolves big man Rudy Gobert is the latest to receive an NBA fine. According to a league announcement on Friday, Gobert has been fined $25,000 for "public criticism" of the referees.

Timberwolves coach Chris Finch also received a $15,000 fine. Both Gobert and Finch voiced their displeasure at the officiating after the team's 107-100 loss to the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday.

"It’s not fair," Gobert said. "It’s really not fair. Every night. I’ve been in this league for 10 years, and I try to always give the benefit of the doubt, but it’s hard for me to think they’re not trying to help (the Suns) win (Wednesday night).

"It’s hard for me to think they didn’t try to help the (Golden State) Warriors win the other night or Sacramento Kings the other night. It’s just so obvious."

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Rudy Gobert receives NBA fine for comments on officiating

Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert

Rudy Gobert didn't hold back his opinion on the officiating in the NBA. Surely the star big man understood that a fine would be on the way after his comments.

Gobert and the Minnesota Timberwolves will look to put the disappointing loss to the Phoenix Suns behind them. Heading into Friday night's games, Minnesota (39-38) is in eighth place in the Western Conference.

The Western Conference is shaping up to be a dramatic race to the finish for playoff seeding. While Minnesota finds itself in eighth place, they remain just one game back of the Golden State Warriors (40-37) for sixth place.

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At the same time, Minnesota also remains just one game up of the OKC Thunder (38-39) from falling into 10th place. The Timberwolves will want to finish strong to avoid the NBA's play-in tournament.

They will look to take care of business on Friday night, as they are set for a home game against the ninth-place LA Lakers (38-38). It will be a showdown between two Western Conference teams clawing for a spot in the playoffs.

Gobert will look to help carry the Timberwolves to a big win on Friday night. The star center has impressed with his recent play. He's averaging 15.1 points, 12.6 rebounds and 1.5 blocks per game in his last 10 games.