Timberwolves Face Tension as Chris Finch Draws Growing Scrutiny

The Minnesota Timberwolves entered the season with real championship expectations. After spending the last two years as one of the Western Conference’s most consistent playoff teams, many believed this would be the year they took another step forward. Instead, the reality has been far less convincing. Minnesota currently sits sixth in the West with a 23–13 record, and a lopsided 24-point loss to the Atlanta Hawks on December 31 raised serious concerns about where the team is headed.

That defeat didn’t just sting because of the scoreline. It reopened questions about whether head coach Chris Finch is getting the most out of a roster led by rising superstar Anthony Edwards. According to NBA insider Jon Krawczynski, patience among Timberwolves fans is wearing thin. Speaking on SiriusXM on January 4, Krawczynski explained that Finch has become a frequent topic of debate within the fanbase.

Krawczynski explained that Finch has faced increased criticism from Timberwolves supporters this season. He noted that while the coach has made some decisions that deserve questioning, Finch’s overall body of work with the team remains strong. But by and large, he has been a terrific coach, he added, pointing to Finch’s overall track record with the team.

Krawczynski even shared a moment that summed up the growing unrest. One fan reportedly questioned what Finch had accomplished beyond leading the Timberwolves to two Western Conference Finals. Krawczynski said he found the comment amusing, given how rare that level of success has been in franchise history.

Since the Hawks loss, Minnesota has stabilized, at least briefly. The Timberwolves responded with back-to-back wins over the Miami Heat and the Washington Wizards. After the victory against Miami, Finch acknowledged the importance of the moment.

“It’s exactly what we needed versus a really good team that has been playing very well,” Finch said after the game, emphasizing how difficult Miami’s style is to defend. The pressure on him was intense, and another poor showing could have deepened the criticism. Even Edwards admitted the win was vital for the team’s confidence.

Still, the concerns haven’t disappeared. Finch is now in his sixth season with Minnesota and has guided the team to consecutive Western Conference Finals. That success raised expectations, and some fans feel the Timberwolves have looked flat at times this season. Critics have pointed to questionable rotations, inconsistent player usage, and signs of shaky preparation.

There have also been moments that fueled speculation about locker-room tension. Edwards drew criticism for heading to the locker room early during the Hawks loss, even though the outcome was already decided. Finch himself was ejected during a December 19 game against the Oklahoma City Thunder after arguing with an official. In a surprising twist, Minnesota delivered one of its strongest performances of the season without Finch on the sidelines, taking down the reigning champions and further fueling discussion about the team’s leadership direction.

If Minnesota’s struggles return, change could be considered. Assistant coach Micah Nori has already earned praise for his role in the Thunder win and is seen as someone who understands the roster well. History shows this kind of move isn’t unheard of, as the Denver Nuggets once promoted David Adelman after moving on from Mike Malone.

For now, the focus remains on improvement. Edwards continues to perform at a high level, but the Timberwolves need better alignment from top to bottom. The coming weeks may decide whether Finch can steady the ship—or whether Minnesota’s growing unrest leads to a major decision.

Also Read: Clippers Get Encouraging Injury News on Zubac, Bogdanovic