Timberwolves Chris Finch tears patellar tendon in collision with Mike Conley

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch tears patellar tendon in Game 4 collision, team sweeps first-round series, advances to second round.

In a thrilling Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns, Minnesota Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch faced a scary moment when he collided with his point guard, Mike Conley, late in the fourth quarter. The collision resulted in Finch tearing his patellar tendon in his right leg, requiring him to be helped off the court. Despite this setback, the Timberwolves managed to secure a 122-116 victory, completing a sweep of their first-round series and advancing to the second round for the first time since 2004.

The incident occurred with just under two minutes remaining in the game, as Conley was bumped by Devin Booker and crashed into Finch off the court. The team rallied around their injured coach as he received medical attention and was eventually escorted back to the locker room. Assistant coach Micah Nori stepped in to lead the team for the remainder of the game.

Conley expressed his concern for Finch's well-being and vowed to continue playing in his honor. Nori, in a post-game press conference, shared that Finch was in good spirits and the team showed their support by visiting him in the medical room. Despite the adversity, the Timberwolves maintained their focus and secured a historic win.

The victory marked the first-ever sweep for the Timberwolves and only the third playoff series win in franchise history. Looking ahead, they will face the winner of the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers series, with the Nuggets currently holding a 3-1 lead. The timing of the Timberwolves' next series will depend on the outcome of the Nuggets-Lakers matchup.

As the team prepares for the second round, the status of Finch's availability remains uncertain. The resilience and unity displayed by the Timberwolves in the face of adversity serve as a testament to their determination and team spirit. Despite the challenges, they remain focused on their ultimate goal of advancing in the playoffs.