After the sixth-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves knocked out the third-seeded Denver Nuggets, the head coach, Chris Finch, took some time to admit he made a mistake during his postgame press conference.
When discussing Terrence Shannon Jr. Finch explained his “silly” decisions, which were consistent throughout the season, having the ball out of Shannon’s hands.
GettyNEW YORK, NEW YORK – NOVEMBER 03: Head coach Chris Finch of the Minnesota Timberwolves looks on during the first half against the Brooklyn Nets at Barclays Center on November 03, 2025 in the Brooklyn borough of New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Sarah Stier/Getty Images)
“We’ve learned with TJ, he’s gotta have the ball in his hands. Silly me, we played him out of the corner most of the season, but he’s way better with the ball in his hands at the top of the floor,” said Finch.
It’s not every day a head coach for any sport at any level can publicly admit mistakes like that. For that, the NFL legend Kurt Warner is impressed.
Kurt Warner Praises Chris Finch’s Quote
Getty ImagesINDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – MARCH 03: Kurt Warner of NFL Network looks on during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 03, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
via Kurt Warner on X: Amen⦠instead of pointing at player for not being effective enough in a bad position, actually realizing much of that was due to you not presenting them with a plan/position to be successful! Wow, so refreshing after what Iâve witnessed over the last year! Extreme Leadership = ALWAYS looking internally FIRST to say âWhat Could I have done better or differentlyâ!!
The Timberwolves rolled out the sophomore guard for 43 games this season. He saw the court for 12.5 minutes per game. Shannon posted averages of 5.6 points, while shooting 45.0% from the field and hitting on 40.8% of his threes.
In the playoffs, Shannon started with three-straight DNPs. The second-year guard had a seven-minute shift in Game 4, followed by 13 minutes in Game 5. Then in Game 6, he played for 34 minutes.
GettyMINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA – MAY 24: Terrence Shannon Jr. #00 of the Minnesota Timberwolves walks to the locker room after defeating the Oklahoma City Thunder 143-101 in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals of the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Target Center on May 24, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
With more playing time came a 24-point showing from the second-year guard. Shannon helped an undermanned Timberwolves team defeat the Denver Nuggets for good.
To Warner’s point, the Timberwolves’ coach is showing great leadership not only by praising Shannon for his efforts, but by making it clear he could’ve found this kind of success all along.
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