Timberwolves Coach Chris Finch Discusses Starting DiVincenzo, Utilizing Hyland

The Minnesota Timberwolves are facing a significant challenge with their point guard position this season. Coach Chris Finch recently made a surprising decision to start Donte DiVincenzo at point guard, shifting from the regular starter Mike Conley, who had been the team’s floor general last season.

Timberwolves’ Starting Lineup Decisions

In their season opener on October 22, 2025, against the Portland Trail Blazers, DiVincenzo played a pivotal role in Minnesota’s 118-114 victory. Finch revealed that he had been contemplating this change for some time and discussed it with Conley, who supported the decision.

“Mike was all for it, as you’d expect him to be,” Finch remarked. He appreciated Conley’s team-first mentality, which was evident when DiVincenzo replaced him during a six-game stint last season due to injury.

• DiVincenzo’s standout performances included:
• 27 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists against Memphis.
• 28 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds against Golden State.

Analyzing DiVincenzo’s Impact

Finch expressed confidence in DiVincenzo’s ability to contribute significantly to the team. He noted, “We’re fortunate to have a guy of Donte’s caliber.” As Minnesota’s second-best 3-point shooter after Anthony Edwards, DiVincenzo brings crucial pace to the game.

Despite this strategic shift, Finch clarified that it does not reflect negatively on Conley’s performance during training camp. Instead, he believes that utilizing Conley off the bench is advantageous for managing his playing time effectively.

Introducing Bones Hyland

During the opener, both DiVincenzo and Conley faced challenges against Portland’s aggressive defense, leading to a total of 19 turnovers, with DiVincenzo accounting for six. To address this, Finch opted for a different approach in the fourth quarter by bringing in Bones Hyland, who had re-signed with Minnesota in September.

• Hyland’s contributions during the game included:
• 2 points, 2 rebounds, and an assist in eight minutes of play.

Finch’s decision to play Hyland instead of Rob Dillingham, the No. 8 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, was based on matchups and flexibility within the lineup. He emphasized the importance of adaptability in player rotations, stating, “Everyone has to stay ready.”

As the Timberwolves navigate through the season, maintaining a versatile strategy will be vital for their success. With a mix of experienced players and emerging talent, they aim to optimize their lineup for the challenges ahead.