On Friday night, the Minnesota Timberwolves pulled off their most impressive win of the season, edging out the Oklahoma City Thunder 112-107 in a gritty, high-energy battle. But the story of the night started well before the final buzzer - and even before the first quarter was over.
Just six minutes into the game, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was ejected after a heated exchange with the officials. It was a rare moment for Finch, who’s typically more measured on the sidelines.
But that fire seemed to ignite something in his team. With Finch sent to the locker room, lead assistant Micah Nori took the reins - and once again, he delivered.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for Nori. When Finch suffered a knee injury during the 2024 playoffs, it was Nori who stepped in and guided the Timberwolves to a deep postseason run, helping steer the franchise to the Western Conference Finals.
That performance didn’t just earn him national attention - it firmly established him as one of the most respected assistant coaches in the league. And Friday night was a reminder of just how impactful he can be when called upon.
Nori’s fingerprints were all over the Timberwolves’ win. The team locked in defensively, holding a high-powered Thunder offense to just a 102.9 defensive rating - a testament to the kind of schemes Nori has been quietly perfecting behind the scenes. Since joining Minnesota as the lead assistant in 2021, he’s been instrumental in shaping a defense that’s consistently ranked among the league’s best.
It’s no surprise that Nori’s name has come up in multiple head coaching searches over the past year. He’s interviewed with marquee franchises like the Lakers, Knicks, and Suns - and given his résumé, it's hard to imagine he won’t land a top job soon. He’s been in the NBA coaching ranks since 2009, and his recent responsibilities in Minnesota - including taking over late-game play-calling duties - show that he’s more than ready for the next step.
There’s also the locker room factor. Nori has earned the trust and admiration of his players, perhaps most notably from Anthony Edwards, who once called him a “basketball genius.”
That kind of praise doesn’t come lightly, especially from a rising superstar. It speaks volumes about Nori’s basketball IQ and his ability to connect with players on a personal level.
Of course, there’s always going to be a segment of Timberwolves fans who hope he sticks around long enough to eventually succeed Finch. But that scenario feels unlikely unless something dramatic changes.
Finch, after all, is the most successful coach in Timberwolves history and has the full respect of the roster. His job is secure - and rightfully so.
Still, Friday night served as a showcase of what Nori brings to the table. He didn’t just manage the game - he elevated the team in a high-pressure moment, against one of the best young squads in the league. That kind of poise and preparation doesn’t go unnoticed, especially among front offices looking for their next head coach.
So while Wolves fans should savor every moment Nori remains on the bench in Minnesota, it’s becoming increasingly clear that his time as an assistant is nearing its end. With several head coaching jobs likely to open up this offseason, don’t be surprised if Friday night’s win becomes part of the highlight reel that lands him his next opportunity.
For now, though, the Timberwolves have the luxury of having two high-level basketball minds steering the ship - and that’s a rare advantage in today’s NBA.