In a dramatic turn of events during the Minnesota Timberwolves’ series-clinching victory over the Phoenix Suns, head coach Chris Finch suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee.
The incident unfolded late in the fourth quarter when Timberwolves point guard Mike Conley collided with Finch on the sideline. This unfortunate collision occurred amidst a closeout win for the Timberwolves, who ultimately swept the Suns in four games.
Following the collision, Finch was immediately attended to by Timberwolves players and staff before being helped off the court. The severity of his injury was later confirmed by the team, prompting Finch to leave the arena on a cart. Assistant coach Micah Nori stepped in to fulfill postgame media duties, providing updates on Finch’s condition and the team’s response to the situation.
Despite the setback, Nori emphasized the team’s unity and resilience, highlighting the ethos of “next man up” that permeates throughout the organization. With Nori at the helm for the final minutes of the game, the Timberwolves secured their victory with relative ease, demonstrating their ability to adapt and persevere in the face of adversity.
Earlier in the day, Finch received recognition in the NBA Coach of the Year voting, finishing third behind Mark Daigneault of the Oklahoma City Thunder and Jamahl Mosley of the Orlando Magic. Despite the accolade, Finch’s focus shifted to his recovery as the Timberwolves rallied together to support their injured coach and maintain their momentum in the playoffs.
