Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch credited his team’s growth and collective grit after securing a pivotal win over the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of their second-round series.
Speaking ahead of Game 4, Finch highlighted the Timberwolves’ maturity and physicality, saying, “We don’t win that game in the middle of the season,” and emphasized how the group has evolved into a playoff-ready unit.
Finch acknowledged the unorthodox nature of the series, saying, “it has been an extremely unique series.” The coach described the first three contests as “completely different games” and suggested that Game 4 could follow an unpredictable path.
He downplayed the idea that Minnesota is racing against the calendar to finish the series before Stephen Curry potentially returns, calling that mindset “desperation.”
Finch praised his roster’s defensive versatility, calling Golden State “a phenomenal defensive team,” and pointed to their ability to contest perimeter shots and close out with intensity despite lacking size.
When asked about navigating a gritty, low-scoring contest, Finch noted, “You kind of have to just figure out how to make enough plays together.”
Finch also credited Julius Randle’s all-around effort, calling him “a hit-first guy offensively and defensively” and citing his balance between scoring and playmaking as a key postseason asset.
Randle recorded a triple-double in Game 3, delivering crucial baskets and assists during a late fourth-quarter surge that erased Golden State’s lead.
Anthony Edwards’ scoring and late-game shot-making were also instrumental, but Finch singled out Jaden McDaniels’ composure and timely shooting as the kind of contributions that often go overlooked.
“Just a lot of really patient, mature play by Jaden,” Finch said, describing the forward as an “unsung hero” who made decisive plays without forcing his opportunities.
Finch emphasized the team’s ability to remain composed when trailing late, crediting key plays from Randle and Edwards that quickly closed the gap after Minnesota fell behind by five with eight minutes left.
“There was never a sense the game was slipping,” Finch said. “That was really a big play.”
The Timberwolves, who now lead the series 2-1, will look to build on their momentum in Game 4 on Monday night at Chase Center.
With Curry’s status still uncertain, Minnesota’s urgency remains focused on execution rather than external variables.
“We’ve got to play with a physical edge,” Finch said. “Sometimes we lead with it, and sometimes we respond with it—but either way, we need it.”
