The Minnesota Timberwolves swept the Phoenix Suns over the weekend to advance to the Western Conference semifinals but will likely be without head coach Chris Finch. Finch suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee after colliding with Timberwolves guard Mike Conley during Sunday night’s Game 4 victory over the Suns. He is scheduled to undergo surgery to repair the tendon, with just a few days of rest before the Timberwolves face the Denver Nuggets in Game 1 on Friday. Assistant coach Micah Nori is expected to lead the team in Finch’s absence, with Finch communicating from the locker room if he is unable to coach.
Following the collision with Conley, Finch remained on the ground in pain and had to be helped off the court before being carted out of the arena. Despite the injury, Finch has been successful as the Timberwolves’ head coach, leading the team to a 160-127 record over three-plus years and a 7-8 record in the playoffs. He finished third in the NBA Coach of the Year voting and has taken the Timberwolves to the playoffs in each of his three full seasons in charge. The Timberwolves will face the Nuggets in the upcoming series, with Denver fresh off a win against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5.
The Timberwolves’ assistant coach Micah Nori is expected to step in for Finch as the team faces the Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals. Nori will lead the team on the sidelines, with Finch likely communicating with him from the locker room if he is unable to coach due to his ruptured patellar tendon. The injury to Finch adds a challenge for the Timberwolves as they prepare to face the defending NBA champions in the semifinals, but the team has shown resilience and determination throughout the season.
Despite the setback of losing head coach Chris Finch to a ruptured patellar tendon, the Minnesota Timberwolves are focused on their upcoming series against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals. Finch’s injury occurred during a collision with Timberwolves guard Mike Conley in Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns, which led to his upcoming surgery and absence from coaching duties. Assistant coach Micah Nori is expected to step in and lead the team in Finch’s absence, as the Timberwolves look to continue their playoff run and compete against the Nuggets.
The Timberwolves will need to regroup and adapt to the absence of head coach Chris Finch as they face the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals. With Finch scheduled for surgery to repair his ruptured patellar tendon, assistant coach Micah Nori will likely take on a more prominent role in leading the team against the defending NBA champions. Despite the challenges ahead, the Timberwolves have a resilient spirit and are determined to compete at their best in the upcoming series, showcasing their depth and determination as they navigate through Finch’s absence and focus on their playoff goals.
As the Minnesota Timberwolves prepare to face the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals, head coach Chris Finch’s absence due to a ruptured patellar tendon adds a complicating factor to their playoff journey. Finch, who has been instrumental in leading the team to success over the years, will have to undergo surgery and take time off from coaching duties. Assistant coach Micah Nori is expected to step in and lead the Timberwolves against the Nuggets, with Finch providing guidance from the sidelines or the locker room if needed. The team remains focused on their playoff goals despite the challenges they face and will look to continue their strong performance in the upcoming series.
