Finch Berates Timberwolves as 'Loss-Makers' in Locker Room During Halftime, Sparking Comeback for Crucial Game 4 Victory
Fired Up Finch and Edwards' Halftime Rant Propels Timberwolves to Dominant Win
In a jaw-dropping comeback, the Minnesota Timberwolves trampled the Golden State Warriors 117-110 in Game 4, pocketing a 3-1 series lead, all thanks to a power-packed halftime speech by coach Chris Finch and superstar Anthony Edwards.
The Warriors managed to snatch a two-point lead as the clock ticked down for intermission. Sensing his team slacking off, Finch knew they had to turn things around, STAT.
"We were playing like some entitled, smug punks who'd already won the dang series," Edwards candidly admitted after the game. "We lounged into the break with a losing mentality, our defense was as limp as a wet noodle, our offense was about as exciting as watching paint dry."
Finch's words were exactly what the doctor ordered, and they lit a fire under the Timberwolves' collective backsides.
"He called us a bunch of flimsy, half-hearted patsies," Edwards recalled, "told me I wasn't defending like the Dalai Lama on a collision course with a FedEx truck, and that I needed to bring it offensively, step up as a leader and start crafting opportunities for my teammates – and myself."
As if galvanized by the coach's choice words, Edwards decided to deliver his own motivational half-time address to rally the troops.
"I told them we'd only clocked two measly wins," Edwards shared, "I'd never seen a series wrap up 2-1. I reminded them we needed another two victories, pronto, and if we kept playing like some snooty, big-headed know-it-alls, we'd have flushed tonight's game down the toilet."
TheGS Warriors were in a desperate situation and their drive was apparent throughout the first half as they edged the Wolves who were visibly talented yet appeared complacent, notably without Stephen Curry in the lineup.
The wake-up call that the Timberwolves needed was exactly what they received, kickstarting an unprecedented turnaround in the second half of the game.
"Edwards was one of the guys who was most passionate at halftime," Finch told reporters. "He realized what was going on out there and we needed to toughen up. He set the tone for the squad."
The Timberwolves will now have the chance to clinch the series on their home court, Wednesday at 9:30 p.m. EST.
In the heat of the halftime break, Anthony Edwards acknowledged their lackluster performance, comparing it to entitled, smug punks, and urged his teammates to step up, just as the NBA's Chris Finch had done, pointing out their defensive and offensive shortcomings. Finch's Halftime rant, seen as a wake-up call, ignited a fire under the Timberwolves, fueling their monumental comeback and showcasing their true potential in the NBA.
