Recent content from Chris Hine

Timberwolves wrap up first half with blowout loss to Charlotte
Now losers of nine in a row, Minnesota on Wednesday night suffered yet another lopsided decision before taking a week off for the NBA All-Star break.

Wolves rookie Jaden McDaniels relishes chance to share NBA court with brother
The first time the Wolves played the Hornets in Charlotte, Jalen McDaniels had just been recalled from the G-League. On Wednesday, he and Jaden were both in action.

Edwards named to Rising Stars Team USA for All-Star weekend
The appointment to Team USA for Anthony Edwards is largely ceremonial, since there will be no Rising Stars Game at the All-Star weekend in Atlanta.
![Though the Timberwolves are 0-4 under Chris Finch, the new coach says, “I’ve been around them enough [to know] that they definitely care.”](https://chorus.stimg.co/22341338/finch.jpg?h=120&w=180&fit=crop&bg=999&crop=faces)
Finch looks to establish normalcy after emotional week for Wolves
Tuesday's practice, just his second since taking over as coach, was an attempt for Chris Finch to install a sense of normalcy along with some of his concepts.

New home, old result: Wolves blown out in Finch's first Target Center game
It can often feel like this Wolves season is going in a flat circle, one President Gersson Rosas has tasked new coach Chris Finch with breaking. The Wolves are 0-4 under him and now have lost eight straight.

Despondent Rubio questions Wolves rebuilding strategy after loss
After Sunday's loss, veteran Ricky Rubio wondered if trusting the process will work. "I kind of don't believe in that kind of system," he said.

Finch wants Edwards to go to hoop more
Entering Sunday, rookie guard Anthony Edwards had taken 42% of his shot attempts from three-point range.

Beasley gets 12-game suspension after guilty plea for gun violence threat
Malik Beasley's ban stems from a guilty plea after he aimed a rifle at a pregnant woman, her husband and their teenage daughter outside his home last fall.

Wolves stepping up the pace in Finch's first two games
A lot of possessions could be a good thing, but opponents are also benefiting from Minnesota's hurried style in the first two games under the new coach.

Wolves lose to Bulls in overtime with KAT watching from the bench
After Karl-Anthony Towns fouled out with 12 seconds left in regulation, Ricky Rubio sent the game to an overtime that the Bulls controlled.

Not worth the energy, Towns says he's cutting down on arguing with refs
Karl-Anthony Towns fouled out Wednesday night in Chicago, but he hasn't been as demonstrative with officials this season. There's a reason for that.

Wolves failed to include diverse coaching candidates, NBA coaches association says
The organization, headed by Dallas Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle, believes minority candidates were excluded in the team's short search to replace Ryan Saunders.

Timberwolves' second half schedule runs March 11-May 16
After an eight-day break, the team will start the remaining slate of games in New Orleans.

Wolves greet new coach by giving up season-worst 139 points in loss
Chris Finch's biggest takeaway from the Wolves' defensive effort against Milwaukee — a lack of physicality. "They didn't feel us all night," the new coach said.

Rubio says coaching change timing 'a little weird'; Beasley praises Finch
The firing of Ryan Saunders and subsequent hiring of Chris Finch from Toronto's coaching staff at midseason doesn't have a lot of precedent in the NBA.

Towns says he's happy with Finch as new Timberwolves coach, but ...
Franchise centerpiece Karl-Anthony Towns made a few things clear Tuesday morning after the Wolves worked out before tonight's game in Milwaukee.

Wolves coaching change was quick — and also two years in the making
Wolves President Gersson Rosas said he made the decision to fire Ryan Saunders on Sunday. But his interest in Chris Finch as the top target to replace Saunders began much earlier.

Finch tells Karl-Anthony Towns he will be centerpiece of Wolves offense
The new coach called his star center, who reaffirmed his commitment to the franchise before Sunday's firing.

Wolves fire Saunders after 7-24 start, Toronto assistant Finch takes over
The firing of Ryan Saunders, made after Sunday night's loss to New York, is a stunning turn of events for the trajectory of the Wolves franchise. Saunders is being replaced by Toronto Raptors assistant Chris Finch.

Wolves' shortcomings show in 103-99 loss to Knicks
The second half of the Timberwolves' 103-99 loss to the Knicks encapsulated the overarching theme of their season in 24 minutes of basketball.

Tom Thibodeau regains defensive touch in New York
The Timberwolves never showed the success on that end of the floor that the coach has had elsewhere.

Timberwolves working to overturn moves made by Tom Thibodeau
The current Knicks coach had a season of success in Minnesota, but his moves left the team struggling to recover.

Naz Reid playing well, with or without Towns alongside
There was a rare sighting on the floor in Wednesday's Timberwolves loss to the Pacers — Naz Reid and Karl-Anthony Towns playing together.

Close doesn't count. Game-winner just misses; Wolves lose to Pacers in OT.
A three-point try by Anthony Edwards at the end of the fourth quarter went in and out, sending the game into overtime and the Wolves to another defeat.

Still feeling pain, Towns keeps battling early-season wrist injury
Karl-Anthony Towns said he still hasn't recovered from a dislocated wrist that he suffered in the second game of the season.

In film review, Wolves rookie Edwards gives thumbs up to Wade's moves
Anthony Edwards said he has been trying to learn some of Dwyane Wade's steps by watching film.

Career-best game by Edwards isn't enough for Wolves against Lakers, LeBron
No. 1 draft pick Anthony Edwards was electrifying during the fourth quarter. His best effort of the season earned respect but not a victory, though.

Russell will have surgery, be lost to Wolves for 4-6 weeks
D'Angelo Russell has a 'loose body' in his left knee, the team announced Tuesday, and will miss at least a month.

Towns: 'Unfair' he and Russell haven't played more together
Karl-Anthony Towns and D'Angelo Russell have played only five games together in over a year, and now Russell is out at least four weeks

Return of Towns has huge impact on Wolves No. 1 pick Edwards
Over the past three games, Anthony Edwards has looked more at ease playing off the Timberwolves' franchise center, specifically in the pick and roll.

Timberwolves-L.A. Lakers game preview
The Lakers dismantled the Wolves 127-91 in Los Angeles on Dec. 27, but Karl-Anthony Towns missed that game because of a wrist injury.

Rubio has big game as Wolves end 17 years of road losses* to Toronto
After playing below expectations for most of the season, Ricky Rubio sparked a late run to beat the Raptors, who are playing in Florida because of Canada's pandemic travel rules.

Towns, Beasley working well together for Wolves
Malik Beasley has thrived since Karl-Anthony Towns returned to the lineup.

Beasley clarifies he isn't being critical of Wolves coaching staff
Guard Malik Beasley campaigned for more playing time Friday but said Sunday that he didn't want to "get my words mixed up."

Towns on emotional week of return: 'I'm just worried. It's not going to stop'
After a recent bout of COVID-19, Karl-Anthony Towns has tried to raise awareness as the NBA struggles in a new normal.

Towns 'spooked' by COVID concerns in Wolves loss to Charlotte
The Hornets on Friday were without three players because of COVID-19 protocols, a development that "spooked" the Wolves' Karl-Anthony Towns, in just his second game back from the virus. Charlotte beat Minnesota 120-114.

Beasley not shy about playing more minutes for Wolves
Following Friday night's loss in Charlotte, Malik Beasley took a question about his fitness level and turned it into a public campaign to get even more minutes.

From Huskies to Wolves: Nowell, McDaniels grow into NBA players
Jaylen Nowell and Jaden McDaniels, a competitive pair, have elbowed their way into the Wolves' rotation, which is no surprise to their former coach at the University of Washington.

D'Angelo Russell not on Wolves road trip because of leg soreness
Russell and Karl-Anthony Towns have still only played five games together since Russell came to Minnesota in last year's trade.

Wolves lose in KAT's return from illness that 'caused a lot of scary nights'
Karl-Anthony Towns announced his re-entry to basketball after battling COVID with a quick putback dunk and a three-pointer. But the Wolves lost to the Clippers 119-112.

Towns rips NBA's plan for All-Star Game 'but what the hell do I know?'
After playing 21 minutes in his first game back from COVID, Karl-Anthony Downs spoke out during an emotional meeting with the media.

Towns returns to the court for Wolves after bout with COVID-19
The team's center has been sidelined because of COVID-19, and has played in only four games this season.

Back from virus, Hernangomez trying to reclaim run with Wolves
Before Monday's return, Ryan Saunders said Juancho Hernangomez was healthy enough to play, but hinted he wasn't yet in the playing rotation.

Beasley catches fire in fourth quarter of Timberwolves loss
Guard had 22 points in the final nine minutes of the game against the Mavericks on Monday night.

Timberwolves make a game of it vs. Mavericks after being crushed early
The Wolves managed to make the loss to Dallas close after a horrible start in which they fell behind by 21 points in the first quarter.

Wolves' Towns sits again, but pushes in workout
Sidelined because of COVID-19, Karl-Anthony Towns has missed the past 12 games. He's been with the team on its current road trip.

Russell's late three-pointer gives Wolves rare happy ending vs. Thunder
D'Angelo Russell sank a game-winning three after the Wolves almost gave Friday night's game away in Oklahoma City.

McDaniels earns rave reviews again in Wolves win
Rookie Jaden McDaniels has impressed teammates and the coaching staff with his defense, and he was on the floor to close out Friday's win.

Going it alone suits Wolves rookie Edwards
Statistics back up Anthony Edwards' assertion that he doesn't operate one-on-one all that much. But when it happens, he's comfortable.

Losing big early in season has hurt Wolves in close games, Rubio says
Ricky Rubio said all those blowouts the Timberwolves suffered at the beginning of the season haunted them in their 111-108 loss to San Antonio.

Saunders' iPad becomes newest teaching tool for Wolves coach
Timberwolves coach Ryan Saunders hasn't used a whiteboard to draw up plays. Instead, Saunders has been using a tablet, and there are some analytical reasons for that.

Timberwolves again fall apart late, lose 111-108 to San Antonio
Ahead by 16 points in the fourth quarter, the Wolves went cold. "We stopped doing the things that got us the lead," coach Ryan Saunders said.

Russell wanted to be 'aggressive' late in Wolves loss to Spurs
Timberwolves point guard D'Angelo Russell took most of the shots inside of five minutes. It's why he is earning a maximum contract and supposed to be one of the most dangerous offensive weapons.

Wolves reserves showing their skills with increased playing time
Jaden McDaniels, Anthony Edwards, Jaylen Nowell and Jarred Vanderbilt have taken advantage of openings created by injuries and illnesses.

Edwards provides hope for future as Wolves stop Cavaliers
Rookie Anthony Edwards had 23 points, five rebounds and four assists, and his play turned around the game in the third quarter.

'Beast' McDaniels is earning minutes for Timberwolves
Rookie Jaden McDaniels was projected to take time to acclimate to the NBA, but he's already making an impact.

Timberwolves' Nowell is a work in progress
Jaylen Nowell played his first significant minutes of the season over the past two games — 16 against Golden State on Wednesday and 23 against Philadelphia on Friday.

Restrictions are hindrance to Wolves' much-needed team bonding
Virtual contact not cutting it for a Wolves team craving off-the-court time to jell.

Rubio keeps up a search for success in his return to Wolves
"I know who I am, but it's off," Ricky Rubio said about his game and career-low statistics.

Timberwolves mailbag: How long will the return of Ricky Rubio last?
Readers had questions about draft odds, Ricky Rubio's future and the Wolves' style of play.

Timberwolves' Naz Reid: 'I hate midrange shots'
By buying into the team's shooting philosophy, Naz Reid has fit in well with the Wolves despite being an undrafted free agent in 2019.

Draft pick from Wiggins-Russell trade looms over Wolves-Warriors games
The Wolves traded a top-three protected first-round pick to Golden State. By beating the Wolves during any game this season, the Warriors help ensure the Wolves' record stays among the worst in the NBA.

Half on, half off: Golden State eventually takes over to again turn away Wolves
After halftime, Stephen Curry and the Warriors stopped messing around and ended the game against the undermanned Wolves in a 123-111 win in San Francisco.

Curry dashes any hope of comeback as Wolves fall to Golden State
If there was any doubt at the end, Stephen Curry scored 15 of his 36 points in the fourth quarter.

Wiggins: Warriors have a 'positive' culture
Former Timberwolves forward Andrew Wiggins said he appreciates how his current team communicates with players.

Russell missing Warriors game with injury wasn't part of Wolves' plans
Team needed to notify NBA well in advance of a planned rest day for the guard, but then the injury kept him out of Monday's game.

Andrew Wiggins sees 'no negativity' as he prepares to face the Wolves
He hasn't soured on his former club a year after he was traded to Golden State for D'Angelo Russell.

Rosas on the current state of the Wolves: 'We should be further ahead.'
Wolves boss Gersson Rosas says his young team should be further along in its development, saying it lacks identity on both sides of the ball. "It's frustrating and it's disappointing," he said.

NBA city to NBA city, it becomes a blur for Wolves guard Russell
After years of of never unpacking his bags no matter where he was living, perhaps D'Angelo Russell finally has found some firm footing with the Wolves.

More of the same: Wolves continue to struggle, lose 116-98 to Atlanta
The Wolves are now 1-9 when they play without star center Karl-Anthony Towns. On Friday, Atlanta's Clint Capela finished with 13 points, 19 rebounds and 10 blocks.

Rubio: Struggling Wolves could use a 'three-hour meeting'
After another Wolves loss, Ricky Rubio once again didn't hold back, saying the Wolves could benefit from a team meeting. But they can't have one because of COVID protocols.

Rubio returns for Wolves, two others remain out under COVID-19 protocols
Ricky Rubio came off the bench in Friday's game against Atlanta. Juancho Hernangomez and Karl-Anthony Towns remained out

Saunders dissects his own performance after rough Wolves loss
Ryan Saunders spent a major portion of his day-after media session answering for some of his decisions at the end of Wednesday's game against Orlando.

As losses pile up, D'Angelo Russell stays positive
"You're not realizing how close we are when the result is loss-loss-loss," the Wolves point guard said.

Edwards learns the No. 1 pick is still reffed like a rookie
Following the Wolves' 108-97 loss at Atlanta on Monday, Anthony Edwards responded to a question about trying to snap out of a recent funk by saying he has been expecting to get more calls when he drives to the hoop.