Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch addressed reporters Tuesday, previewing Game 5 of the Western Conference Finals as his team faces elimination on the road against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Following Monday’s 128-126 loss that dropped Minnesota into a 3-1 series hole, Finch emphasized the need for faster offensive pace from his star players.
“We know we got to stretch the floor, create more depth in transition, get those guys to the bottom of the floor,” Finch said. “It should be a pretty easy adjustment. You just got to put the effort in.”
Oklahoma City’s defensive pressure has limited Minnesota’s ability to initiate sets high on the floor, particularly affecting Anthony Edwards and Julius Randle.
Finch said he expects Edwards to be more involved early after taking just 13 shots in Game 4.
“I thought Ant was aggressive as the game wore on,” Finch said. “He got downhill, he got to the paint, he created a lot of good shots for his teammates.”
Finch also noted the importance of putting Edwards in off-ball actions to counter Oklahoma City’s physical perimeter defense.
“They do a good job of jamming him up the floor,” Finch said. “It’s on him to get to the bottom of the floor a little bit quicker so we can free him up.”
Despite the loss, Minnesota’s bench outscored the Thunder’s reserves by 37 points, led by Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Donte DiVincenzo combining for 44 points.
“Our bench, who’s been a strength of ours all season, came in with a big game,” Finch said. “We needed a bit more production from all five starters.”
Finch credited Jaden McDaniels for his two-way play throughout the series, particularly his effort guarding Shai Gilgeous-Alexander.
“He’s putting together complete games offensively and defensively,” Finch said. “He’s been quietly our most consistent player.”
The Timberwolves were once again challenged by Oklahoma City’s physicality and off-ball defense, which Finch felt impacted their rhythm.
“I saw a lot of off-ball contact,” he said. “Their off-ball defense was largely focused on Ant—trying to jam him up and keep him from being able to get the ball in clean space.”
Finch added that despite the contact, “I can’t remember an off-ball foul that’s been called after four games,” highlighting how effective the Thunder have been at walking the line.
The Thunder have won seven of eight games at Paycom Center during the 2025 playoffs and can clinch a Finals berth with a win on Wednesday.
Game 5 tips off in Oklahoma City with Minnesota needing a win to extend its postseason run.
