The Minnesota Timberwolves return to Target Center for Game 3 of their first-round playoff series tied 1-1 with the Denver Nuggets. Ahead of Thursday night’s matchup, head coach Chris Finch outlined the key details shaping the series during his Wednesday practice media availability.
Finch emphasized the importance of Naz Reid’s impact in Game 2, saying, “Great. I mean, what he’s been doing all season. Timely production when we needed it, played with great pace, fought his tail off on defense. Just kind of gave us exactly what we need when we needed it.”
On Reid’s defensive role moving forward, Finch pointed to discipline and foul control. “For him, he was fouling a little bit too much. Just executing the small pieces of the game plan that were built to try to protect him as well as us, and rebounding the ball.”
With both teams trading wins, Finch highlighted the importance of consistent effort across all four quarters rather than late-game surges. “The energy’s got to be there throughout the entire game.”
He expanded on closing execution, adding, “What really needs to be there at the end of the game for us… is focus and mindset, just staying in the moment, staying in the minute.”
Finch also referenced late-game mistakes from Game 1, noting, “We let Braun have a transition dunk off a free throw, we gave up a baseline layup with two seconds left, all this in the last six minutes of the game.”
On the broader matchup trend between the two teams, Finch dismissed simplified narratives. “I don’t know if it is desperation so much. It’s just so much familiarity. Whoever wins on the margins, the energy plays, the hustle plays.”
He also stressed offensive purpose rather than fatigue tactics. “We got to move the ball for the sake of getting better shots. We started that game just kind of settling, not really wanting to go anywhere.”
Finch credited Anthony Edwards’ leadership in the series despite on-court challenges. “I thought he showed incredible leadership… gave confidence to the guys… that was definitely a sign of leadership.”
He also addressed Minnesota’s foul issues directly, stating, “We fouled three-point shooters at a high rate, so we got to clean that up. Just try to play with smart physicality.”
On defensive coverage against Nikola Jokic, Finch explained the approach remains flexible. “We have every confidence for him to be able to guard him, but with any great player, it’s hard to give him just one thing all game.”
Finch closed by praising Donte DiVincenzo’s two-way impact. “The kid is a winning player… he puts everything into it… he’s not afraid of these moments.”
He also underlined the respect within the matchup. “This is an outstanding team, a championship DNA team with the greatest player on the planet… there’s no coincidence that these games are always kind of wild.”
As Game 3 approaches, Minnesota’s focus remains on discipline, execution, and sustaining intensity against a Denver team known for punishing small mistakes.
