Timberwolves Honor Joe Ingles with Start for Son's First Game

Joe Ingles, playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves, made a heartfelt return to the starting lineup for the first time this season, motivated by the presence of his autistic son, Jacob, who was able to watch his father play in a game for the first time. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch made the decision to start Ingles, acknowledging the importance of the moment for the family despite Ingles' limited performance on the court, where he played only six minutes and recorded one assist. The milestone was particularly significant as Jacob, who struggles with autism-related sensory overload, had previously not been able to stay for an entire game. Finch emphasized the human aspect of the decision, stating that sometimes it’s important to prioritize personal connections over typical game strategy. Ingles himself highlighted the ongoing challenges faced by families with autism and reaffirmed his commitment to advocating for autism awareness. The Timberwolves won the game against the New Orleans Pelicans, making the night even more memorable for the Ingles family.