Chris Finch Exclusively Reveals Timberwolves’ Point Guard Rotation Strategy
Chris Finch has unveiled his strategic approach for the Minnesota Timberwolves’ point guard rotation. This comes after analyzing player performances and team needs during the early part of the season.
DiVincenzo’s Role as Starting Point Guard
Donte DiVincenzo is expected to be the primary starting point guard for the foreseeable future. Last season, he started in 10 games and showcased significant productivity. However, a turf toe injury interrupted his momentum while he was outperforming veteran Mike Conley.
Finch acknowledged the differences between the two players. He stated, “Mike is obviously way more a classic point guard. DiVincenzo can handle for sure and creates pace. He is a pace setter for us.” This indicates that while Conley has traditional point guard attributes, DiVincenzo contributes with speed and forward movement.
Dillingham’s Situation
Amari Dillingham did not see any playing time during the recent game, even as Finch employed a deep 10-man rotation. This decision did not reflect a lack of effort during practice, as Finch emphasized the importance of versatility within his line-up.
- Finch noted, “It’s early on still.”
- He expressed that players need to remain prepared for any situation.
- Everyone on the team has a role in contributing towards victory.
Hyland’s Fourth-Quarter Minutes
In light of DiVincenzo and Conley struggling to find their rhythm, Finch made a strategic decision to play Bones Hyland in the fourth quarter. His size was deemed valuable for defending against the Portland Trail Blazers’ aggressive plays. Hyland managed to score two points in that crucial segment.
Game Strategy and Rotation Flexibility
As the game unfolded, Finch displayed a willingness to deviate from using a traditional point guard. He closed the game with Terrence Shannon Jr. on the court, who contributed 10 points in 25 minutes. Finch’s approach reflects a commitment to selecting players based on current performance rather than predefined roles.
He stated, “He was playing really well… We needed someone who could get downhill and get by the pressure.” This highlights Finch’s adaptive strategy, where the players finishing the game may differ from those starting it.
In summary, Chris Finch’s rotation strategy emphasizes flexibility and readiness, which will be critical as the Timberwolves progress through the season.
