Chris Finch Calls Out Timberwolves’ Defense After Loss to Nuggets

After a disappointing loss to the Denver Nuggets on October 27, 2025, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch issued a public challenge to his team’s standout defenders, specifically targeting Jaden McDaniels and Rudy Gobert. Finch emphasized the need for his All-Defensive players to elevate their game, stating, “We need more from our All-Defensive guys to set the tone.”

The Timberwolves initially controlled the game, leading by eight points at halftime. However, the third quarter proved disastrous as the Nuggets exploded for 45 points, with Jamal Murray contributing 23 points during that stretch. The Nuggets shot an impressive 67% from the field and did not commit a single turnover in that quarter. “No defense. Nothing at the rim,” Finch lamented. “We didn’t break off, we didn’t challenge. Too comfortable in the paint and the heart of the defense.”

Historically recognized for their defensive prowess, the Timberwolves now find themselves struggling significantly. Currently, they rank as having the fourth-worst defense in the league, allowing 119.8 points per 100 possessions, a stark decline from 108.4 points during the 2023-24 season. This downward trend has persisted despite the team’s commitment to defensive improvement during training camp.

Guard Mike Conley acknowledged that while players are “playing hard,” the team has suffered from “too many breakdowns.” Miscommunications on the court allowed Denver numerous open shot opportunities, which Conley attributed to a lack of cohesion among the players. “We have to do things as a unit. All five guys have to be in the same mindset and connected when we do things,” he explained.

Conley emphasized the importance of individual accountability in defense. “It starts with guys taking on challenges—to not get beat and not rely on help defense,” he said. This notion was echoed by Gobert, who stated, “It starts with us. I think we are a defensive-minded team… when I’m being a monster in the paint, it sets the tone for everybody else.” Unfortunately for the Timberwolves, that tone has been lacking this season.

The absence of key players like Anthony Edwards and Jaylen Clark due to injuries has further weakened Minnesota’s defensive capabilities. The current roster lacks the depth of defensive talent seen in previous seasons, making Finch’s calls for improvement even more pressing.

Finch’s frustration reflects the team’s alarming inconsistency. “We have been extremely inconsistent defensively,” he admitted after the game, a sentiment shared by Conley, who found the situation “confusing.” Despite having enough capable defenders, the team has struggled to execute their game plan effectively.

As the Timberwolves look ahead, they face the challenge of rekindling their defensive identity. Finch’s post-game challenge has set the stage for a critical response from his players. The focus now shifts to whether McDaniels and Gobert can rise to the occasion and rejuvenate a defense that has lost its edge.

“We have to get back to being a team that takes pride in stopping the ball,” Conley said. “It’s got to be what matters more than anything, more than how many points we score.” The Timberwolves are at a crossroads, and the coming games will reveal whether Finch’s challenge will spark a turnaround or if their defensive woes will persist.