The Minnesota Timberwolves have announced a multi-year contract extension for Coach Chris Finch. The specific terms of the deal were not disclosed, adhering to team policy. In response to the extension, Finch expressed gratitude towards Glen Taylor, Becky Taylor, and the entire organization. He praised the team’s culture and expressed his eagerness to continue leading and making fans proud.
Tim Connelly, President of Basketball Operations, praised Finch as both an excellent coach and person. Connelly highlighted Finch’s role in the team’s continuous improvement and emphasized that he is an ideal leader for the Timberwolves.
Under Finch’s leadership, the Timberwolves achieved a remarkable 56-26 record in the 2023-24 season, marking the second-highest win total in franchise history. This performance earned them the third seed in the Western Conference, extending their playoff streak to three years, the longest since their eight-season streak from 1996-2004.
The Timberwolves set several records during the season, including a league-best 37 wins against Western Conference opponents and a leading 26 road victories, the second-most in franchise history. They also matched their record of 12 wins against Northwest Division opponents.
In the 2024 NBA Playoffs, Finch led the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals for only the second time ever and the first since 2004. The team achieved a historic four-game sweep of the Phoenix Suns in the First Round, marking their first such sweep and their first playoff series win since 2004.
The Timberwolves’ victory over the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals was notable for the largest comeback in a Game 7 on the road in NBA history. This victory brought the Timberwolves to a 2-0 record in Game 7s in franchise history.
Finch’s coaching resulted in the Timberwolves finishing the 2023-24 season with the top-ranked defense in the NBA, a significant improvement from the previous season’s 10th place. The gap between the Wolves’ defense and the second-ranked Boston Celtics was substantial.
The Timberwolves also achieved their best-ever net rating of 6.3, placing third in the NBA for the season. This performance reflected Finch’s effective coaching strategies and the team’s defensive prowess.
On December 4, 2024, Finch was named Western Conference Coach of the Month for October and November, having led the Timberwolves to a 14-4 start. This honor was the first of Finch’s career and made him the third Timberwolves coach to receive the award.
Finch was also selected to coach at the 2024 NBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis, representing the Western Conference. This selection, based on the best record through February 4, was Finch’s first All-Star appearance as a head coach and the second time a Timberwolves coach had received this honor.
Over the last four seasons, Finch’s 160 total wins are the second-highest in Timberwolves history, and his .557 winning percentage surpasses Flip Saunders’ franchise-best mark of .521. Finch achieved his 100th career win in March 2023, joining Saunders as the only Timberwolves coaches with over 100 victories.
Finch’s tenure with the Timberwolves has been marked by significant achievements, reflecting his impact on the team’s performance and growth. His leadership has been instrumental in transforming the team into a competitive force in the NBA.
The 2023-24 season was particularly notable for Finch, as the Timberwolves reached the Western Conference Finals, a milestone that had eluded them for nearly two decades. This success underscores Finch’s effectiveness in harnessing the team’s potential and guiding them through high-pressure situations.
The Timberwolves’ record-setting performance against the Western Conference opponents and their strong showing on the road highlight Finch’s strategic prowess. His ability to build a resilient team capable of excelling in various aspects of the game has been a key factor in the team’s recent successes.
Finch’s defensive strategies have clearly paid off, with the Timberwolves finishing the season as the top-ranked defensive team. This achievement not only demonstrates his coaching acumen but also the team’s commitment to executing a defensive game plan.
The team’s impressive net rating and performance against division rivals further reflect the positive impact Finch has had. His coaching has not only improved individual player performances but also enhanced the overall team dynamics.
Receiving the Western Conference Coach of the Month award and an All-Star Game coaching position are significant accolades that acknowledge Finch’s role in the Timberwolves’ success. These honors highlight his growing recognition in the broader NBA community.
The extension of Finch’s contract is a testament to the organization’s belief in his vision and leadership. The Timberwolves are clearly committed to continuing their upward trajectory under Finch’s guidance.
As Finch continues his journey with the Timberwolves, his focus will likely remain on building upon the team’s recent achievements and striving for even greater success. His past accomplishments suggest that the future holds promising prospects for both him and the Timberwolves.
Overall, the contract extension solidifies Finch’s role as a pivotal figure in the Timberwolves’ organization. His achievements and the team’s recent successes underscore the value he brings to the franchise.
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