Chris Finch reveals what’s changed in Timberwolves’ playoff approach

Credit: Daniel Dunn-Imagn Images

Chris Finch reveals what’s changed in Timberwolves’ playoff approach

Originally posted on NBA on ClutchPoints
By Jedd Pagaduan, ClutchPoints | Last updated May 5, 2026 12:57 AM ET

If there’s one thing that everyone is guaranteed to see from the Minnesota Timberwolves under the tutelage of Chris Finch come playoff time, it’s that they will show up and rise to the occasion. Coming off a first-round upset of the higher-seeded Denver Nuggets, the Timberwolves just went out and took Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal matchup against the San Antonio Spurs, 104-102.

Now that Anthony Edwards is back in action, the Timberwolves’ hopes of competing for a title are alive once more. And it helps that this Timberwolves team is filled with playoff risers who know how to show up when the games matter this much. Moreover, this Timberwolves team has played in the third-most playoff games in the NBA since 2024 (with 38), which has definitely prepared them for this moment.

“Coming off an emotional series like we just had, in years past, I think we would have come into this series more giddy, maybe a little more relaxed. We were able to have the right approach coming into tonight and we recognized that it’s a whole ‘nother series, whole ‘nother reality,” Finch said, via Chris Long of KSTP-TV Sports.

Finch on how the maturity from the last two postseason runs helped the Wolves prepare for tonight… and the decision to use his "big" lineup. pic.twitter.com/2x757a79Ff

— Chris Long (@ChrisLongKSTP) May 5, 2026

The Timberwolves were definitely adjusting in real time in the first half; it’s a whole different ballgame going from a matchup against a team with Nikola Jokic protecting the basket to someone like Victor Wembanyama warping the entire court with his length and preternatural defensive instincts.

Wembanyama did finish with 12 blocks on the night, but the Timberwolves were still able to do enough, particularly in the fourth quarter, to hold on to the victory. Not even costly plays in the clutch ended up punishing Minnesota.

What was so imperative for the Timberwolves when they defeated the Nuggets in the previous round was that they were able to steal homecourt advantage. They did just that, putting themselves one step closer to their third-consecutive Conference Finals appearance.

This article first appeared on NBA on ClutchPoints and was syndicated with permission.

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