In a surprising turn of events, Chris Finch, the head coach of the Minnesota Timberwolves, has recently signed a four-year contract extension that will keep him at the helm until the end of the 2027-28 season. This decision comes on the heels of the team’s best season in franchise history, where Finch led the Timberwolves to three consecutive playoff appearances for the first time in two decades.
Under Finch’s guidance, the Timberwolves have seen remarkable growth and success. Notably, 2020 No. 1 overall pick Anthony Edwards has flourished into a standout talent in the league. Finch’s coaching acumen was on full display as he managed to navigate the team to the Western Conference finals, despite facing stiff competition. Unfortunately, Finch himself suffered a significant injury during the playoffs, but his assistant Micah Nori seamlessly stepped in to continue the team’s journey.
One of Finch’s standout achievements has been his ability to mold the Timberwolves into a defensive powerhouse. By strategically pairing Rudy Gobert and Karl-Anthony Towns in the frontcourt, Finch was able to create a formidable defensive presence. The team led the league in defensive efficiency, showcasing Finch’s knack for maximizing his players’ strengths. Additionally, the Timberwolves ranked second in rim protection and paint points allowed per game, a testament to Finch’s emphasis on solid defense.
Throughout his tenure, Finch has compiled an impressive record of 160-127, with a remarkable 56-26 record during the recent season that culminated in a Western Conference finals appearance. One of the team’s most memorable victories came in a Game 7 comeback against Denver, where the Timberwolves overcame a 15-point halftime deficit, making history in the process.
Overall, Chris Finch’s extension signifies the organization’s confidence in his leadership and coaching abilities. As the Timberwolves look towards the future, they do so with Finch at the helm, guiding the team towards continued success and competitiveness in the league.