Timberwolves' Joe Ingles Gets Rare Start So His Autistic Son Can Watch Him Play

Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch created an unforgettable moment during the team’s 134-93 win over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Target Center on Friday night, and it wasn't just about basketball. Forward Joe Ingles, at 37 years old, got his first start in three years, and the reason behind it is nothing short of heartwarming.

Ingles' family, who live in Orlando, were in town for the game. Among them was his eight-year-old son Jacob, who is autistic. Jacob had never been able to sit through an entire NBA game before due to sensory overload caused by the arena environment. But this time, something remarkable happened.

During the Timberwolves’ prior game against the Utah Jazz, Jacob reportedly told his mother, Renae, that he didn’t want to miss any of the action after halftime. In the family room, he made a determined plea to keep track of the game, saying, "Have the timer on and watch the clock so that I don’t miss a second of the action." It was a moment of clarity and enthusiasm that surprised his family.

Unfortunately, Joe Ingles didn’t play in that Sunday game, which could have been disappointing for Jacob, who had expressed his excitement about watching his dad. But Timberwolves head coach Finch decided to make it right. Knowing the family’s story, Finch inserted Ingles into the starting lineup for Friday's game to ensure Jacob could see his dad in action. "Sometimes you gotta do the human thing," Finch said, acknowledging the importance of moments like these beyond statistics and playoff races.

When Finch informed Ingles of his plan, the seasoned player seemed taken aback. "Are you sure?" Ingles asked, clearly humbled by the gesture.

Though the Timberwolves are fighting for the pivotal No. 6 seed to avoid the Play-In Tournament, Finch's decision was a reminder of how sports can transcend the court. Ingles played six minutes and went 0-3 shooting, but for the Ingles family, performance stats didn’t matter. This was about something far more meaningful.

Renae Ingles shared her family’s milestone on Instagram, posting, "Tonight was a milestone night for our family, and I just had to share! For the first time ever, Jacob made it through an entire NBA game – out in the stands cheering for his dad’s team!" She reflected on the six years of effort and perseverance that led to this moment, calling it "an incredible achievement" and expressing gratitude for the support they’ve received along the way.

Joe Ingles himself summed it up beautifully: "This is the stuff I’ll remember forever." The Timberwolves may have secured their win on Friday night, but for the Ingles family, the victory was in creating a memory that will last a lifetime.