Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch shared an emotional reason behind Joe Ingles’ first NBA start in over three years. The Australian veteran received the honour during a recent game, with his wife and three children present, marking a significant moment for his family. Ingles’ son, Jacob, who has autism, recently achieved the milestone of attending a complete game, prompting Finch to give Ingles the opportunity to shine on the court.
Ingles’ start was a special gesture intended for Jacob to witness his father play. Finch expressed the importance of making human connections in sports, stating, “Sometimes you’ve got to do the human thing.” Following the game, he mentioned that it was a decision made with a heartfelt purpose, allowing Ingles to see the floor while creating a memorable experience for his family. Finch acknowledged that while not every player gets a chance to start, this occasion was particularly meaningful, reflecting on the encouragement from his team to make it happen in style.
Ingles, now 37, played slightly more than six minutes during the match, finishing without scoring but contributing an assist. His wife, Renae, expressed gratitude towards the organisation on social media, highlighting the unforgettable nature of the event.
The Timberwolves secured a convincing 134-93 victory against the New Orleans Pelicans, with standout performances from Ingles’ teammates: Julius Randle tallied 20 points, six rebounds, and five assists, while Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards each contributed 17 points. Rudy Gobert also made a noteworthy impact with 13 points and 12 rebounds. With this win, Minnesota moved closer to securing a playoff spot, now just one game behind Golden State for the sixth seed in the Western Conference, and celebrated their largest margin of victory for the season at 41 points.