From Sheffield Sharks To Conference Finals

A Reunion That Tastes Like Glory: From Sheffield Sharks to the Conference Finals

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch relives an emotional meeting with his former mentor and recalls an epic EuroLeague tie against Real Madrid.

At Toronto's bustling Union Station, in the middle of rush hour, a couple in their sixties stood out among the tide of commuters. He, dressed in the colors of the Timberwolves; she, with those of the Raptors. Both, with an unusual hurry for it being still five in the afternoon, were heading to the game that would face Toronto and Minnesota, whose field was built adjacent to the station.

Even without the players present, a Wolves fan was already stationed near his team's locker room. He was not a devotee of Anthony Edwardsnor any other star. His devotion, singular and surprising, was directed to the coach.

“Proud Coach of Coach Chris Finch,” read this fan's shirt. A visit that turned out to be an unexpected and pleasant surprise for Finch, a true journey through time full of nostalgia.

Jim Brandonthe name of the man who hugged Finch, was precisely his coach during Chris' time as a player in the Sheffield Sharks of the English league in the 90s. Twenty-five years had passed since their last match. Brandon was eager to express his pride in having guided the coach who has led the Minnesota Timberwolves to two consecutive Conference Finals. Brandon's wife, with contacts in Raptors storytelling, facilitated this endearing reunion.

After the effusive greeting and moving conversation with Chris Finch, Jim Brandon shared anecdotes in the hallways. He remembered his time at Hospitalet and, especially, a eliminatory of Euroleague against Real Madrid in the 1995-1996 season, when he managed the Sheffield Sharks with Finch in his ranks.

That contest corresponded to the second round of the highest continental competition. The white team won the victory after winning 57-67 in the first leg and 78-75 in the second leg. Brandon, according to his statements to MD, perceived a certain referee “condescension” towards the Madrid team.

Although time has passed inexorably, Finch recalled that tie as a significant milestone in his playing career.

“Yes, I remember it,” the Timberwolves coach recalled. “I think we lost at home in a very close game. Then we went down to Madrid and they gave us a tour of their trophy room. If you've ever been there, it's awesome. “I think it was an attempt to intimidate us, showing the greatness of the entire club, not only in basketball, but also in football.”

“I remember that we had an advantage at the end of that game and they let us escape,” he added. Chris Finch with a smile. “It was a tremendous experience, a small team against a European power. It was a lot of fun, a lot of fun.”

That Real Madrid squad had figures of the stature of Joe Arlauckas, Zoran Savic and Nikola Loncar, as well as a young Pablo Laso. The team led by Zeljko Obradovic, however, fell in the semifinals against Barcelona Arturas KarnisovasDarryl Middleton and José Luis Galilea, under the direction of Aíto García Reneses.

Many culé fans, without a doubt, still regret that lost final against Panathinaikos, marked by Vrankovic's controversial block on José Antonio Montero. Perhaps, for some, it would have been preferable not to win the Classic. At least, the consolation for Real Madrid was not adding another Euroleague to that opulent trophy room that left Chris Finch agape.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jim Brandon?
Jim Brandon was Chris Finch's coach when he played for the Sheffield Sharks in the 1990s.
What team did Jim Brandon manage when Finch was a player?
He managed the Sheffield Sharks of the English league.
Against which team did Chris Finch play in a Euroleague tie in the 1995-1996 season?
He played against Real Madrid.
What was the result of the Euroleague tie between Sheffield Sharks and Real Madrid?
Real Madrid won the series.
What outstanding players did Real Madrid have?
It had Joe Arlauckas, Zoran Savic, Nikola Loncar and Pablo Laso.
Who coached Real Madrid that season?
Zeljko Obradovic.
Which team did Barcelona play against in the semi-finals of that Euroleague?
He played against Real Madrid.
Who was coaching Barcelona that season?
Aíto García Reneses.
Which players stood out in that Barcelona?
Arturas Karnisovas, Darryl Middleton and José Luis Galilea.
What incident do you remember from the final of that Euroleague?
Vrankovic's illegal block on José Antonio Montero.