It’s not just the Warriors who have come alive late in the season. The Minnesota Timberwolves are right behind them, cruising on an 8-game winning streak. Importantly, the Wolves didn’t need a Jimmy Butler trade to make it happen. Then how did it happen? While there’s always a larger picture, Coach Chris Finch detailed a portion of it, highlighting Donte DiVincenzo and two other stars’ efforts to adapt to their new roles. Poetically, it came after the coach’s milestone win.
Last night, Anthony Edwards & Co. took on the Utah Jazz and produced a blowout 128-102 victory. Even though everyone saw this result coming, considering the team’s hot run, the Wolves were trying out something internally. One of the takeaways from the game was the rest.
Chris Finch rested Mike Conley ahead of the Pacers’ game and challenged DiVincenzo, Nickeil Alexander-Walker, and Julius Randle for the point guard role. The role was split amongst the trio and they put on a decent show. You must be wondering how a power forward would engage in a facilitator role. When he came into the Wolves, it was something expected from Randle. Speaking of it earlier in the season, he said, “That’s really been the biggest change… I love my role here.”
Anyway, let’s see what Chris Finch has to say about their performances. “I think both Donte and Nickeil have done an outstanding job of figuring out, like what being a point guard means to them in our offense… sometimes I like to get to those lineups with Julius in there so they can all kind of share in it,” said the coach. With veteran Conley entering the final stretch of his career, the team should nurture his replacement.
Looking at Finch’s response, the team is certainly on the right track, as he added, “I really like how it looks because everyone’s trying to do just the basics and then, you know, be the best version of themselves … they’re playing to their strengths.” Well, it’s all merry and good, as the team has something more to celebrate.
Chris Finch established himself as a Wolves icon
The NBA is a strange place. The day before Steve Kerr collected his 558 career win as a Warriors coach, the most in the franchise’s history. Last night, Chris Finch took his 200th win as the Wolves coach. Aren’t the two coaches fighting to steal the 6th seed? Anyway, that’s just a coincidence.
Meanwhile, Finch doesn’t seem bothered by it, as he said, “I mean no real thoughts other than, you know, I’ve had a great group of guys here to work with,“ at the post-game presser. But he didn’t forget to acknowledge how entertaining the ride had been for him, saying, “They’re fun. Fun every day. Obviously, it’s all about those guys being able to go out and perform and get the wins, have an incredible staff.“
Jan 10, 2024; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch talks with guard Anthony Edwards (5) during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images
More importantly, Finch doesn’t want to settle with the 200-win mark. He added, “Hopefully it’s just the beginning of a lot more. But you know, proud of it. Certainly proud of the work that we’ve been able to do up to this point. But you know, we want to keep stacking them up.”
Last season, Finch had a historic run, taking the Wolves past the playoff first round for the first time in two decades. Can he repeat it or may it push it further? What do you think? Let us know in the comments.
The post Donte DiVincenzo and 2 Key Stars’ Changes Don’t Go Unnoticed as Chris Finch Confirms Feelings After Milestone Night appeared first on EssentiallySports.
