Timberwolves coach cracks joke about James Harden’s mental focus

James Harden’s perceived lack of application at certain points became joke fodder for Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch on Friday.

Harden is poised to make his debut for the Philadelphia 76ers on Friday, and the Timberwolves will be faced with the task of slowing him down. Minnesota did so last month, when Harden compiled just 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting in a Jan. 23 loss against the Timberwolves. That was around the time trade rumors began to intensify around Harden.

When asked about that performance, Finch could not help but joke that his team probably did not get the best version of Harden in that contest.

When asked about holding James Harden to a 4-13 performance last month, Wolves coach Chris Finch joked that he wasn’t sure that was the “most engaged” version of Harden. Said he fully expects Harden to be at his best tonight in his 76ers debut.

— Tim Bontemps (@TimBontemps) February 25, 2022

Maybe it’s a joke, but Finch might have a point. Harden did want a trade from the Brooklyn Nets, and his demeanor toward the end of his time there made that clear.

Finch is also right that Harden will likely be much more motivated as he debuts with the 76ers. The Timberwolves will have a tough task in store.

Photo: Nov 15, 2019; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Rockets guard James Harden (13) arrives to Toyota Center prior to the game against the Indiana Pacers. Mandatory Credit: Erik Williams-USA TODAY Sports