The Minnesota Timberwolves find themselves in a tough spot. A five-game losing streak has cast a shadow over what was shaping up to be a promising season. With the trade deadline approaching, there's still time for a course correction - but the issues plaguing this team might run deeper than just roster construction.
Let’s start with the obvious: the Timberwolves have some roster holes. They’ve been navigating the season without a high-level point guard, and their depth has been tested repeatedly.
But even with those limitations, some of these recent losses are hard to justify. Dropping games to the Jazz and Bulls, and then getting blown out by the Warriors, isn’t just about missing pieces - it’s about execution, effort, and consistency.
The first two losses in the skid - against Houston and San Antonio - came with context. Those are quality opponents, and injuries played a part.
But the rest? That’s where the concern really starts to grow.
When the Wolves lose, it’s not just that they come up short - it’s how they lose. We’re talking about blown leads, flat energy, and stretches where the team seems disengaged on both ends of the floor.
That kind of pattern raises a fair question: is Chris Finch still getting through to this team?
Now, to be clear, there’s been no public friction between Finch and the locker room. No reports of discontent, no players calling him out. But when you see a team consistently struggling with focus and effort, it’s only natural to wonder if the message is starting to lose its impact.
Finch has been at the helm since 2021 and has guided the Timberwolves to some of their best seasons in recent memory. With a .569 winning percentage and two trips to the conference finals, he’s arguably the most successful coach the franchise has ever had.
But the NBA is a “what have you done for me lately” league. Just look at what happened in Denver - Michael Malone was let go less than a year after winning a title.
Defensively, the Wolves have been up and down. On paper, they’re a top-10 unit.
But over the past two and a half weeks, they’ve slipped to 22nd in defensive rating. That’s not just about talent - it’s about effort, communication, and attention to detail.
Too often, they’re getting caught ball-watching or losing focus on rotations. Those are fixable habits, but they keep showing up.
And then there’s the offense. When Anthony Edwards isn’t putting on a cape and carrying the load, this team can look stuck.
The Wolves don’t generate easy looks consistently, and there’s a lack of structure when things bog down. Finch has leaned into a more free-flowing style - which works when the stars are clicking - but when the shots aren’t falling, that lack of offensive creativity becomes a real issue.
Finch’s rotations have also been under the microscope. His continued reliance on Mike Conley, even as the veteran struggles, has drawn criticism.
Since the start of the new year, Conley’s averaging just 16.6 minutes and 3.8 points on 30 percent shooting. Yet Finch hasn’t adjusted.
Similarly, Joan Beringer has shown flashes - especially in matchups against strong opponents like Milwaukee and San Antonio - but still finds himself on the outside of the rotation when the roster is healthy.
It’s not all on Finch, of course. The front office has some work to do at the trade deadline, and the players need to bring more consistency.
But coaching matters - especially when a team is underperforming relative to its talent. Right now, the Timberwolves are underachieving, and Finch has to wear part of that.
This isn’t a call for drastic change. It’s not about scapegoating.
But if the Wolves want to right the ship and re-establish themselves as contenders, they’ll need more than just a roster tweak. They’ll need sharper execution, more consistent effort, and yes - a coaching staff that can push the right buttons down the stretch.
Chris Finch has proven he can lead this team. But in a season that’s starting to slip, he’ll need to prove it all over again.