Behind Timberwolves’ decision to start Joe Ingles so his autistic son could see him play

The Minnesota Timberwolves had a night to remember on Friday as they faced off against the New Orleans Pelicans. Just before the game was set to begin, head coach Chris Finch made an announcement that sparked excitement in the locker room. Despite the team’s recent struggles, Finch decided to give veteran forward Joe Ingles his first start of the season. This decision was not made based on basketball strategy, but rather on a heartwarming reason.

Finch revealed to the team that Ingles’ 8-year-old son, Jacob, who has autism, had achieved a major milestone at a game against the Utah Jazz. For the first time ever, Jacob was able to watch an entire NBA game without getting overwhelmed by the sensory stimuli. This breakthrough was a testament to the hard work and dedication of the Ingles family in supporting Jacob’s development.

As the Timberwolves gathered around Finch, he explained the significance of this moment for the Ingles family. With Jacob and his siblings in town visiting, Finch wanted to ensure that Jacob got the chance to see his dad play on the court. Despite the team needing a win and Ingles not having seen much playing time this season, Finch decided to start him in the lineup.

The team’s response to Finch’s announcement was overwhelmingly positive, with players showing support and enthusiasm for the gesture. The game that followed was a resounding victory for the Timberwolves, with key players like Julius Randle, Rudy Gobert, and Anthony Edwards contributing to the win.

While Ingles may not have had a standout performance on the court, the real victory of the night was seeing Jacob watch his dad play in an NBA game for the first time. This moment was not just about basketball; it was a reminder of the importance of family, support, and empathy.

The Ingles family has been open about their journey with autism, using their platform to raise awareness and advocate for inclusion. Renae Ingles, Joe’s wife, shared her gratitude for the Timberwolves and Coach Finch for making this night possible.

As the team basked in the glow of their win, they were reminded of the bigger picture. Sometimes, a small gesture of kindness and compassion can have a profound impact on not just one family, but an entire team. The Timberwolves may have secured a win on the court, but the real victory was in the joy and unity that was felt both on and off the court that night.