Timberwolves' Joe Ingles gets rare start so his autistic son can see him play for the first time

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Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch gave forward Joe Ingles a moment to remember during the team’s 134-93 win over the New Orleans Pelicans at the Target Center on Friday.

Ingles, 37, was in the starting lineup for the first time in three years, and it wasn’t because Finch was looking to spark the team. 

Ingles’ family were in town for the game, as they live in Orlando. Ingles has three kids with his wife Renae, and one of his kids, eight-year-old Jacob, is autistic. 

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Minnesota Timberwolves guard Joe Ingles (7) warms up before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on February 27, 2025.  (Jason Parkhurst-Imagn Images)

In Orlando, Jacob goes to a school he loves and a home that provides him with a safe haven, according to The Athletic. 

For the first time ever, Jacob was able to sit through an NBA game from start to finish. Jacob had never been able to sit through an entire game before, due to sensory overload from being in an NBA arena. 

During the Timberwolves' game against the Utah Jazz on Sunday, Renae and her kids retreated to the family room during halftime. Jacob told his mother that once he got into the room, he didn’t want to miss any of the action. 

"Have the timer on and watch the clock so that I don’t miss a second of the action," Jacob said to his mom, The Athletic noted.

Renae couldn’t believe what she heard, double-checking with him to make sure he was serious. But Jacob was firm. He wanted to watch the second half. 

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Joe Ingles,