In a heartwarming display of family support, Minnesota Timberwolves forward Joe Ingles was named a starter for the team’s matchup against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 21, 2025. This significant moment was not just about basketball; it was about ensuring that Ingles's autistic son, Jacob, could see him play in person for the very first time.
Head coach Chris Finch made the decision to include the 37-year-old Ingles in the starting five specifically for this game. The family from Orlando had made the trip to Minnesota for the week of March 17-23, and it was a pivotal moment for Jacob, who had recently accomplished watching an entire NBA game in person for the first time earlier that week. Previously, the sensory overload typically associated with the NBA arena had been too much for him, but he managed to sit through a full game, albeit with his father not playing.
During the game against the Pelicans, Ingles played for the opening six minutes, recording one assist but missing all three of his field goal attempts. Though this may seem underwhelming statistically, the emotional weight of his participation was monumental for the Ingles family. Finch's gesture ensured that Jacob could experience the thrill of watching his father play in the big leagues, fulfilling a dream that had been complicated by his condition.
The significance of this moment was palpable in the crowd, bringing warmth not just to fans but also to viewers who understood the family dynamics involved. Jacob's autism had previously made the environment of a basketball game overwhelming; hence, this carefully planned occasion was designed with his needs in mind. As reported by Jon Krawczynski of The Athletic, Finch's decision was rooted in compassion: "Finch starting Joe so they can see him play." Indeed, it was a moment of pure love and connection articulated through the medium of sport.
Fans were initially perplexed and even humorous about the decision to start Ingles, taking to social media to voice their surprise. Many speculated if star player Naz Reid had been snubbed. However, once the backstory was revealed, the reaction quickly turned supportive and positive. The Timberwolves community rallied around this unique circumstance, demonstrating how sports can bridge personal challenges and public performance.
Ingles’s journey to starting for Minnesota began in earnest, having not seen the court in a game since February 25 when Minnesota played the Oklahoma City Thunder. Throughout the 2024-25 season, he had averaged just six minutes per game, which made this moment feel almost like a career revival—a return to the spotlight that had previously dimmed.
The Timberwolves, entering the game with a season record of 41-31, had recently experienced a rocky stretch—having lost two consecutive games after a remarkable eight-win streak. Their recent performance included an upset loss to the Pelicans just two days prior, which added additional motivation to both the players and fans. This game was positioned as critical for their playoff aspirations in a tightly contested Western Conference.
Ultimately, the Timberwolves dominated the game, defeating the Pelicans in a decisive 134-93 blowout. While Ingles’s personal stats may have revealed missed opportunities, the victory provided a collective sense of recovery for a team aiming to bounce back from adversity. Jacob got to witness not just his father’s presence on the court but also the success of the team.
As the game concluded, the atmosphere in the arena buzzed with joy—not just for the team’s performance but for the fulfillment of a personal milestone. The Timberwolves’ experience with Joe Ingles exemplified a powerful narrative, merging sport with family values and demonstrating how even in high-stakes situations, personal bonds can take precedence.
This unforgettable occasion highlighted the importance of family in the world of sports, reminding everyone watching that behind every athlete's journey lies a story rich with challenges, motivation, and heartfelt support. Joe Ingles’s first start with the Timberwolves may have come under unique circumstances, but it resonated with countless fans and families alike, emphasizing the shared love and dreams that both sports and family can inspire.
