Chris Finch's key lineup decision secured Timberwolves' win over Rockets (again)

Just a few hours after the NBA trade deadline hit on Thursday, the Minnesota Timberwolves were right back in action at Target Center against the Houston Rockets. The visitors from Houston had lost four games in a row coming in, and the Wolves took full advantage of a struggling opponent, winning 127-114.

Minnesota used a huge fourth quarter to overpower Houston and shut off their water. Anthony Edwards scored 41 points and made Timberwolves history in the process, but it was Chris Finch's closing lineup decision that really sealed the deal in this one.

Finch rolled with Naz Reid in the final group on the floor, and it paid off big time. Reid closed as Minnesota's five, and he helped the Timberwolves put together a strong showing in the final frame, something that they have struggled to do all season long. Along with Naz, the closing group also featured Jaden McDaniels, Jaylen Clark, Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Anthony Edwards. Until Mike Conley checked in late, the Wolves' closing five featured players that were all 26 years old or younger.

Naz Reid closed at the five for Minnesota

Reid's insertion into the closing group mirrored the Wolves' late December matchup with the Rockets, wherein Finch also rolled with Naz down the stretch. The use of Reid in these types of situations has shown to be highly effective for not only the Timberwolves' offense, but their defense as well.

Finch talked about how Reid's skillset allows him to fit so seamlessly nearly anywhere. "Attribute it to just how much game and skill Naz has," he said. "It all comes down to defense, I don’t think offensively it changes too much for him ... Defensively, I was really pleased with him."

Thursday was clearly a game where Reid was playing well on both sides of the ball, with him finishing a team-best +25 in plus/minus. It was was his offensive versatility that threw the Rockets' defense completely off their game. "I closed with Naz at the five because they couldn’t stop us," Finch said. "I didn’t want the offense to bog down for any reason."

This is a look that Minnesota will likely want to keep going to in some way even after Julius Randle returns from his injury. Clearly, having Naz Reid on the floor when the Timberwolves are trying to execute in close-game situations continues to pay off.