Timberwolves Forward Joe Ingles Creates Unforgettable Moment for His Son at NBA Game

Timberwolves Forward Joe Ingles Creates Unforgettable Moment for His Son at NBA Game

The Minnesota Timberwolves played against the New Orleans Pelicans, winning decisively with a score of 134 to 93 at the Target Center on Friday. However, the notable story from this game revolved around forward Joe Ingles and his family.

Ingles, at the age of 37, found himself in the starting lineup for the first time in three years. This decision by Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch was not merely tactical, but rather a heartfelt gesture to allow Ingles’ son, Jacob, to watch his father play.

A Special Family Occasion

Joe Ingles’ family traveled from Orlando to Minnesota for this special occasion. He and his wife Renae have three children, but it was their eight-year-old son Jacob who held the spotlight this time. Jacob is autistic, and attending an NBA game presents unique challenges for him due to sensory sensitivities.

In Orlando, Jacob enjoys a supportive school environment, which has helped him feel safe and comfortable at home. This game was significant for Jacob because it marked the first time he could remain in his seat for an entire NBA game. Previously, the overwhelming atmosphere of an arena had made it difficult for him to focus.

Jacob’s First Full NBA Game

During a prior game against the Utah Jazz, Renae and their kids had to retreat to a family room at halftime. To Renae’s surprise, Jacob expressed a desire to rejoin the game immediately upon entering the room. He communicated clearly to his mother his intention to watch the second half closely, not wanting to miss anything.

“Have the timer on and watch the clock so that I don’t miss a second of the action,” Jacob urged Renae. His mother, astonished by his determination, verified his words, but Jacob was resolute. He wanted to support his dad during that game rather than play at home.

Coaching with Heart

Head coach Chris Finch learned of Jacob’s achievement of sitting through an entire game and wanted to create a lasting memory for the Ingles family. With the Timberwolves preparing for the playoffs and needing a victory to secure a spot, Finch made the decision to insert Joe Ingles into the starting lineup, ensuring Jacob would see his father play in what was a crucial game.

“Sometimes you gotta do the human thing. We talk about how all these minutes matter, but Ingles’ minutes mattered for another reason,” Finch remarked. When he called Joe into his office to inform him, Ingles was taken aback.

“Are you sure?” he asked Finch, reflecting the surprise of the moment. Nevertheless, Joe prepared for action as the Timberwolves headed into a critical game.

Game Performance and Family Joy

Despite the importance of the game to the team’s playoff aspirations, Joe’s performance was not stellar. He shot 0 for 3 in just six minutes on the court. Yet, this statistic carried little weight for the Ingles family. They celebrated a milestone that night overshadowing any individual performance.

Renae later shared this unforgettable family moment on social media, stating, “Tonight was a milestone night for our family, and I just had to share! Jacob watched the entire game – out in the stands cheering for his dad’s team!