Wolves Coach's Emotional Reason for Starting Lineup Change vs Pelicans

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch explained why he put Joe Ingles in the starting lineup against the New Orleans Pelicans

Feb 24, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Minnesota Timberwolves guard Joe Ingles (7) talks to his team during a break in play against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second quarter at Paycom Center. Mandatory Credit: Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images / Alonzo Adams-Imagn Images

Friday night's game between the New Orleans Pelicans and Minnesota Timberwolves was a very special night. Not just because of the game, but something far bigger.

The Minnesota Timberwolves decided to change their starting lineup against the New Orleans Pelicans, but not for a reason one would expect - the team unexpectedly inserted Joe Ingles into the starting lineup.

As it turns out, Ingles' wife and three kids haven't been to a Timberwolves game all season because they've remained in Orlando. Ingles' son is autistic and earlier in the week he watched his first NBA game in an arena for the first time ever.

On Saturday night, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch decided to start Ingles for his son.

Joe Ingles' wife, Renae, and 3 kids have stayed at the family home in Orlando all season. They are in town this week. Son Jacob is autistic. Earlier this week he had a milestone. He watched an entire NBA game in arena for the 1st time. Finch starting Joe so they can see him play. https://t.co/eJBE3zPsaX

— Jon Krawczynski (@JonKrawczynski) March 21, 2025

After the game, an emotional Finch explained his reasoning for the decision.

"It's emotional," Finch started. "Sometimes you gotta do the human thing. We always talk about all these minutes matter and those minutes matter for another reason. Someone put it in my head today as an idea to make sure that Joe can see the floor. I figured, if we're going to do it, let's do it in style. Guys were behind it and I think it gave us just the right boost that we needed and change of energy."

Pretty cool moment: An emotional Chris Finch shares what went into the decision to start Joe Ingles tonight. https://t.co/liRuzC6dBx pic.twitter.com/lWhAhHgN6W

— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) March 22, 2025

Ingles only played six minutes on Friday night, but the Timberwolves defeated the Pelicans by 41 points, so it was a win for everyone, just not the Pelicans.

The New Orleans Pelicans' next opponent is the Detroit Pistons on Sunday night.

•

New Brandon Ingram Injury Announcement After Pelicans Trade

•

CJ McCollum Makes NBA History in Pelicans-Pistons

•

Pelicans Make Franchise History vs Pistons

•

New Starting Lineup in Pelicans vs Pistons Due to Injury

•

Breaking: Cade Cunningham Unexpectedly Ruled Out for Pelicans-Pistons