Of course, players win games (and championships). However, there's no denying that coaches play a significant role in team success as well. By all accounts, Chris Finch is the Minnesota Timberwolves' most successful coach in franchise history. Wednesday's opening game perfectly highlighted why Finch is the perfect man to lead the Wolves to their first championship in franchise history.
The Wolves edged out the Portland Trail Blazers 118-114. Anthony Edwards' 41-point performance stole the show. Jaden McDaniels' validating his offensive growth from last season and Terrence Shannon Jr. providing an incredible all-around impact were also key stories. Nevertheless, Finch's bold decision-making also benefited the Wolves.
Finch started Donte DiVincenzo but had no issue turning away from him
Just hours before the game, Finch tweaked his traditional starting lineup, replacing Mike Conley with Donte DiVincenzo. Many coaches wouldn't have done this, given how important Conley has been to the team and the Wolves' lack of playmaking. DiVincenzo struggled against the Blazers' swarming on-ball defense, committing six turnovers. And Finch had no problem pulling his new starting point guard out of the game. DiVincenzo sat from the middle of the third quarter until the end of the game.
Some coaches would have been worried about taking flak for pulling their newfound starter for the majority of the second half, especially because the Wolves could have easily lost this game. However, these are the moves championship coaches make, and this helped the Wolves win.
Finch will always put his best five on the floor
Finch's bold yet wise moves don't stop with his management of DiVincenzo, though. He had Shannon close the game among the Wolves' traditional four starters (until Rudy Gobert fouled out and was replaced by Naz Reid). Shannon played a brilliant all-around game, posting 10 points, five rebounds, and five assists.
What made this game truly special from TSJ was how on-point his decision-making was. Shannon made some really nice reads, especially on drive-and-kick plays, and took on significant ball-handling duties. His defensive energy and veteran-like shot selection also stood out.
Terrence Shannon Jr. scoring and passing highlights from his season debut
— Eamon Cassels (@EamonCassels) October 23, 2025
Shannon posted 10 points, 5 assists, and 5 rebounds while closing the game for the Wolves pic.twitter.com/03mCfQS3Fi
I could gush about Shannon's impact all day, but the point is Finch isn't afraid to ride the hot hand regardless of a player's perceived status. Not bad for a coach who supposedly is harsh on young players.
Finch also surprisingly turned to Bones Hyland in the fourth quarter, a move that many coaches wouldn't have made given Rob Dillingham's status as a 2024 lottery pick. Nevertheless, Hyland gave the Wolves a solid spark and was better equipped to deal with Portland's extreme ball-pressure.
Riding whoever is playing best isn't new for Finch. One game that comes to mind is the Wolves' regular season come-from-behind win against the Oklahoma City Thunder last season.
Edwards struggled in this game, shooting 5-15 from the field. He played just under five minutes in the fourth quarter and overtime combined. Ant ended up having a game-winning block. But still, this game proved that nobody, not even the Wolves superstar, is immune to taking a backseat. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Shannon, and Dillingham (yes, Dillingham) played sizable minutes to close out this game.
Ultimately, Finch will put his team in the best situation to win, and he makes the bold moves that are necessary for the team to succeed at the highest level.