Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch shared his thoughts following Wednesday night’s 132-120 loss to the Orlando Magic at the Kia Center in Orlando. The Timberwolves were missing Anthony Edwards and several regular starters while Jaden McDaniels returned from a six-game absence due to a left knee injury.
On McDaniels’ performance, Finch said, “I thought he looked really, really good. His three-point touch wasn’t there, but everything else was good.” He added that he was monitoring McDaniels’ reacclimation to game situations, particularly “the coming down from the jumping and the random things that happen in a basketball game and how he reacts to that.”
Terrence Shannon Jr. led Minnesota with a career-high 33 points. Finch praised his efficiency, noting, “He shot the ball extremely well tonight. I like his downhill decisiveness and playmaking out of it. It was a great showing by him.”
Naz Reid also received recognition for his contributions off the bench. Finch remarked, “Naz’s game today was awesome. He played like he looks back to himself. He found his touch and made a lot of gritty plays defensively.”
The coach addressed challenges for Joan Beringer, emphasizing discipline and poise: “He’s got to learn to play without fouling. He plays hard, but there’s got to be intelligence and poise that he has to learn, and he will.”
Regarding the overall game, Finch cited turnovers and defensive lapses as key factors: “We had great rhythm to start the third, but we couldn’t get stops. Turnovers allowed Orlando to build on a 10-point lead already.” He highlighted areas for improvement, particularly physicality and game plan execution, essential for the postseason push.
Finch noted optimism for the team’s health and readiness: “We need to get some guys back like Jaden, Anthony, and others, playing up to the level they can. Finding our physicality defensively is a priority.” He also commented on McDaniels’ in-game adjustments: “He missed the first couple shots, then found it and was really good at slithering to the rim.”
The Timberwolves have now lost five of seven, despite strong individual performances. Shannon’s 33 points came on 11-of-14 shooting with five three-pointers, while McDaniels added 18 points in 19 minutes. The Magic shot 53.7% overall, led by Paolo Banchero’s 20 points and eight rebounds and Desmond Bane’s 18 points and six assists.
Minnesota faces Houston on Friday, while Orlando travels to Chicago. Finch’s focus on reacclimating key players and maintaining defensive intensity will be central as the Timberwolves aim to carry momentum into the Western Conference playoffs.
