Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch suffered a significant injury after colliding with point guard Mike Conley during a recent playoff game against the Phoenix Suns. The incident occurred in the fourth quarter when Suns star Devin Booker bumped Conley, sending him off-balance and directly into Finch, who was standing near the sideline. Finch immediately collapsed, clutching his knee in visible pain.
The collision resulted in Finch rupturing his right patellar tendon, an injury that requires surgical intervention. His surgery is scheduled for soon, leaving the Timberwolves in a precarious situation as they advance in the playoffs. The team is set to face the Denver Nuggets in the second round, and Finch’s recovery time may limit his ability to fully participate in coaching duties.
Assistant coach Micah Nori is expected to take on a larger role during Finch’s recovery. Nori had already stepped in to manage the team after Finch’s injury during the game against Phoenix and had previously coached the team when Finch was ill earlier in the season.
Finch, who has been with the Timberwolves since 2021, has been a crucial part of the team’s recent success, leading them to the playoffs in each of his full seasons as head coach. His absence could significantly impact the team’s performance in their upcoming series against the defending champions.
The Timberwolves organization and fans are hopeful for a swift and smooth recovery for Finch, but the timing of the injury is challenging given the stakes of the ongoing NBA playoffs. The extent of Finch’s involvement in the upcoming games remains uncertain, and much will depend on how well his recovery progresses.
