Chris Finch Reveals Shocking Reason Behind Joe Ingles’ Start – It’s Not Just Basketball!

On Friday, Joe Ingles was named a starter for the Minnesota Timberwolves for the first time in three years, marking a special occasion as all three of his children were in attendance. Typically, Ingles’s family, including his wife Renae and their three children, reside in Orlando, making it rare for them to see him play live.

This week was particularly significant for Ingles’s son, Jacob, who experienced his first full basketball game in an arena last Sunday. Jacob, who is autistic, usually finds the sensory intensity of NBA games overwhelming. However, he managed to stay through the whole game, although Ingles did not play that day.

With Jacob present again on Friday, Timberwolves coach Chris Finch made a thoughtful decision to start Ingles, giving Jacob the chance to see his father play in person.

“It was emotional,” Finch remarked post-game. “Sometimes you need to prioritize the human aspects. We often discuss the importance of playing time, but today those minutes had a different significance. The idea was suggested to me earlier today to ensure Joe could play, and I thought, let’s make it memorable. The team supported the decision, and it positively shifted our energy. It’s rare to make such gestures, but we’re really pleased we did,” he added.

After the game, Ingles reflected on the gesture, touched by the consideration. “People are let go every day. You see coaches with short-term contracts, players being traded—it’s a tough industry. That he even thought of it means a lot,” he shared, as reported by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic.

Ingles participated for six minutes during the game, helping his team secure a 134-93 victory over the New Orleans Pelicans, and managed to record an assist in front of his son.

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