When an NBA team hits a rough patch, sometimes a coach has to dig deep into the playbook. That’s exactly what the Minnesota Timberwolves' head coach Chris Finch did to snap a three-game losing streak against the Golden State Warriors.
In a gutsy move, Finch deployed a rarely seen lineup in the fourth quarter, leaving Rudy Gobert on the floor without his usual frontcourt partners, Julius Randle and Naz Reid.
Gobert Takes Center Stage
With 9:34 left in the game, Finch pulled the struggling Randle, opting not to bring him back. Reid exited with 5:16 remaining, leaving Gobert to anchor the lineup solo for a significant stretch.
If this felt like uncharted territory for Timberwolves fans, that’s because it was. Gobert has logged 4,137 possessions this season, but only 68 of those have been without either Randle or Reid-a mere 1.64% of his total time on the court.
During this unconventional stretch, Golden State managed to outscore Minnesota 9-7, but the Timberwolves' defense held firm. They forced the Warriors to miss their first five shots and drew a crucial offensive foul, effectively shutting down any hope of a comeback.
For most of the fourth quarter, Finch relied on a lineup featuring Gobert, Donte DiVincenzo, Anthony Edwards, Jaden McDaniels, and Ayo Dosunmu. Dosunmu, coming off a stellar third quarter, proved to be a key component. With the game secured, Finch swapped Gobert for Kyle Anderson with just 48 seconds left.
Struggles Lead to Strategic Shift
Randle’s post-All-Star break struggles continued, as he failed to score, rebound, or assist in his 10 second-half minutes, committing three turnovers instead. Reid’s performance has also dipped since early February, managing just two points on 1-for-4 shooting in over 12 minutes of the second half.
Faced with three straight losses, Finch’s decision to shake things up paid off. Edwards shone brightly, but Gobert’s contribution of 18 points, tied for his fifth-highest this season, was pivotal in sealing the win.
This bold strategy not only halted the Timberwolves’ skid but also showcased Finch’s willingness to adapt and make bold moves when the situation demands it. With this victory, Minnesota might just have found a new formula to keep their momentum going.