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How a coach’s unexpected decision showed the power of empathy, lifted a team, and reminded us that leadership is deeply human.

In Episode 245 of Anecdotally Speaking, Mark shares a powerful and timely story from the NBA that reminds us just how far a small act of empathy can go. When a coach makes an unexpected decision minutes before a critical game, the impact ripples far beyond the court.

Shawn and Mark unpack what makes this moment so meaningful—from the role of leadership and care, to how little gestures can create big shifts in team culture.

They also reflect on how “doing the human thing” can energise a group and stick in people’s minds long after the moment has passed.

This story is perfect for those thinking about how to lead with empathy, build trust, and create connection in teams.

For your story bank

Tags: Leadership, Teamwork, Empathy, Sport, Behaviour, Storytelling, Small thing big difference

This story starts at 0:22

In mid-March 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves—an NBA team in the United States—were in a tight spot. They were on the cusp of making the playoffs but had just dropped two home games to teams they were expected to beat. With only one game left in a five-game home stand, their playoff hopes were on the line. It was a must-win situation.

Among their players was veteran forward Joe Ingles, an Australian closer to the end of his basketball career than the beginning. Despite being on the roster, he had played just over five minutes in the past 14 games, and in the 10 games prior, he’d logged only three seconds on court.

Then, just 35 minutes before this crucial match, Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch made a surprise announcement in the locker room: Joe Ingles would be starting.

It wasn’t a tactical move—it was a human one.

Joe’s wife and three children were visiting from Orlando, where they had stayed during the season due to his one-year contract with Minnesota. Their eight-year-old son Jacob, who has autism, had been struggling with the overstimulation of basketball games. But just days earlier, he managed to sit through an entire game for the very first time—a milestone moment for the family. Joe’s wife, Renee, shared her pride online, celebrating how far Jacob had come.

But that game Joe didn’t get a single minute on the floor. Jacob had sat through the whole thing without seeing his dad play.

Someone on the coaching staff quietly mentioned this to Finch, suggesting that if the Timberwolves built a commanding lead in the next game, perhaps Joe could get a few seconds on court. Finch thought differently. Rather than wait for a throwaway moment, he decided to make a statement. He put Joe in the starting lineup.

When he announced the change, the team erupted in applause. The energy was palpable—even in the locker room, the roar of the crowd could be heard from the court.

Minnesota went on to dominate the game, winning by 41 points against a team they had recently lost to.

Joe didn’t score a point. He had a few touches, missed a rebound—but his son got to see him play.

It was a simple decision, driven by care and empathy, and it inspired the entire team. One player said afterward, “One day I hope someone does something like that for me.”

As Coach Finch later put it, “Sometimes you’ve just got to do the human thing.”