Dallas Mavericks minority owner Mark Cuban publicly criticized NBA referees after a controversial non-call during the recent matchup between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Minnesota Timberwolves, a sequence that triggered a strong reaction on the Timberwolves’ sideline and led to head coach Chris Finch’s ejection early in the contest.
The disputed moment came in the first quarter, when a play that many felt should have drawn a foul was not whistled by the officiating crew. Cuban took to social media to question the decision-making of the officials, challenging why the call was not made in a clear situation. His remarks spotlighted broader concerns about consistency and accuracy in NBA officiating.
The non-call became a flashpoint, prompting an impassioned on-court response from Timberwolves coach Chris Finch, who was subsequently assessed two technical fouls and ejected for his conduct toward the officials early in the game. The controversy around the officiating drew widespread attention throughout the league.
Cuban’s criticism continues a long pattern of outspoken remarks about refereeing in the NBA. The Mavericks’ owner has never hesitated to voice frustrations when decisions do not go his team’s way, and this most recent situation has only added fuel to the ongoing conversation about officiating standards in professional basketball.