The most important injury concern for the Timberwolves heading into the second round of the playoffs might not even involve a player.Head coach Chris Finch had to be helped to the locker room at the end of the Timberwolves’ 122-116 Game 4 win in Phoenix over the Suns on Sunday night after an unfortunate collision with Mike Conley.
Finch is feared to have torn his patellar tendon, according to The Athletic’s Shams Charania
Mike Conley collides with coach Chris Finch, who needed help getting off the court. pic.twitter.com/MSQyFHe1rr
— TSN (@TSN_Sports) April 29, 2024
— 50 Nuances Basket (@50NuancesBasket) April 29, 2024
While dribbling up court near the sideline and Minnesota’s bench, Conley was bumped by Devin Booker and was sent careening into Finch, who crumpled to the floor in obvious pain.
Finch immediately grabbed his right knee.
Soon after, Finch was helped to the locker room by two assistants and was barely able to put any weight on his right leg.
“He’s obviously in good spirits and so are the guys,” assistant coach Micah Nori, who directed the team for the final 1:41, said after the game.
Sunday’s win secured a series sweep for the Timberwolves — their first in franchise history.
Now, their greatest concern will be their head coach’s health.
“I told him to sit his (butt) down — he shouldn’t be standing up like that late in the game,” Conley said. “He’s in the way. But prayers up for him, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
Jared Schwartz:
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