Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch credited Rudy Gobert and Julius Randle for delivering in critical moments as the team closed out the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5.
Speaking postgame after the 103-96 win at Crypto.com Arena, Finch said Gobert’s performance was vital. “He was awesome tonight — just shedding defenders,” Finch said, citing Gobert’s nine offensive rebounds and strong finishing. “We just trusted the right play, and I thought our guys were really good in finding him in those moments.”
Gobert posted playoff career highs with 27 points and 24 rebounds, exploiting the Lakers’ smaller lineups. Finch emphasized how Los Angeles’ aggressive ball pressure created ideal situations for Gobert to roll to the rim.
Minnesota advanced to the second round for the second straight year — a first in franchise history. While the team missed 40 three-point attempts, Finch noted, “We didn’t shoot the ball well, but I thought we were the tougher team mentally and physically.”
Finch also highlighted Randle’s role throughout the series, calling him “absolutely huge” and saying the veteran forward had been “consistently great every single night.” Randle contributed 23 points in Game 5, continuing what Finch described as a season defined by maturity and unselfishness.
“He was happy for the fresh start in Minnesota,” Finch said, referencing Randle’s shift in approach. “The offense hummed in and around him and through him.”
Asked about Gobert’s response to outside criticism, Finch was emphatic. “Rudy’s a winner at the highest level… when you have this guy on your team, you understand what a professional and a winner is.”
Finch praised his staff’s preparation and the roster’s versatility. “Almost every lineup combination is going to work,” he said, pointing to Nickeil Alexander-Walker’s contributions in Game 5, even without a strong shooting night.
On the team’s historically poor three-point outing, Finch remained unfazed. “I love the shots,” he said. “I think our guys were just tight a little bit, to be honest.” Despite missing 17 straight from deep, Mike Conley broke the drought late, sealing the win.
The coach reaffirmed his belief in players staying ready, regardless of closing lineups. “If it wasn’t your night, move on — next night, it probably was,” he said, crediting the team’s maturity.
Finch closed by recognizing the fan base and the broader significance of Minnesota’s back-to-back second-round appearances. “We’re not satisfied… but we’re certainly going to celebrate this,” he said. “This team figured it out.”
Minnesota now awaits the winner of the Golden State–Houston series.
