Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch addressed key playoff themes during a practice media session on Wednesday ahead of the first-round series against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena.
Finch emphasized Julius Randle’s playoff rhythm, saying, “I thought he was really good and just kind of doing all the things that we had talked about throughout the week and putting them in play.”
On what drives early-series execution, Finch said, “A lot of it has to do with this week, of course, you know, getting laser focused on what to expect.” He also noted, “Being sure of himself, maybe being in a new environment with a newfound confidence and all that.”
The Timberwolves coach explained how series preparation shapes offensive decision-making. “You have a chance to rep it out for four or five days so it’s like muscle memory takes over a bit too,” Finch said.
He also highlighted the importance of long-series adjustments. “I think understanding the global approach you know that it’s not a one game thing it’s a series it’s going to evolve and you’re going to see different things but not until you force them to adjust.”
Finch discussed Anthony Edwards’ early-game reading of defenses. “He was taking what the defense was giving him and a lot of people were benefiting from that,” he said. “Which is what he’s done to start the series last few times that we’ve started the series has been key to how the series unfolds for us offensively.”
He addressed the balance between patience and aggression in postseason structure. “That sometimes can be misconstrued as feeling out or not being aggressive,” Finch said, reinforcing the importance of decision-making over forcing looks.
On Denver’s defensive variability, Finch acknowledged preparation depth. “We do have a variety of ways of guarding them and some of them are a little more obvious and some are a little more subtle.”
He stressed physicality against Nikola Jokic. “At the end of the day it comes down to your ability to be physical and fight them and do it every time down cuz you’re not going to win all of them.”
Finch added detail on defensive execution against elite interior play. “Just challenge his catches, challenge his dribbles, and just fight him,” he said. “That’s what it comes down to.”
On Ayo Dosunmu, Finch stated, “His ability to change ends quickly too is going to be key. We really need to push the pace in this series.”
The Timberwolves enter Game 1 against the Nuggets on Saturday, April 18, with Minnesota’s offensive structure and defensive versatility expected to be tested in a high-level Western Conference matchup.
