The Minnesota Timberwolves are gearing up for their Western Conference semifinal series in Denver, but there’s a twist: head coach Chris Finch recently underwent knee surgery. Despite this setback, the team is hopeful he’ll be courtside for Game 1, albeit with some adjustments to accommodate his recovery.
Assistant coach Micah Nori, currently filling in for Finch, reported that the surgery to repair Finch’s ruptured patellar tendon went smoothly. Finch had been involved in strategizing for the upcoming series before going under the knife.
The team plans to fly out to Denver on Thursday night, with Finch likely joining them later to allow for more healing time. However, finding a suitable spot for him on the bench presents a challenge due to limited space and the risk of further injury. Options include rearranging seating arrangements or having Finch watch the game from a suite if necessary.
Despite the disruption, the Timberwolves remain confident in their ability to perform. Point guard Mike Conley expressed appreciation for both Finch’s seriousness and Nori’s more relaxed demeanor, highlighting the team’s chemistry.
Finch, who finished third in Coach of the Year voting, is known for his trust in his players and coaching staff. His injury occurred during a collision with Conley in the previous series against Phoenix, but he’s staying positive and is being supported by the team from afar.
Overall, while Finch’s absence presents challenges, the Timberwolves are determined to make him proud as they continue their playoff journey.
