The Minnesota Timberwolves were able to handle business in Game 4 of their first-round series against the Phoenix Suns in the 2024 NBA Playoffs. That victory completed an impressive sweep, which sets the Timberwolves up for a huge matchup against the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals.
The team is certainly excited about the position they are in, but there is some unknown heading into the series. Their roster is healthy heading into the second round, but their coaching staff is not.
Head coach Chris Finch is set to undergo surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right knee on Wednesday, per NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN. It is unclear at this time if he will be able to coach from the sideline once the second round begins.
Finch’s knee is going to be immobilized as part of the rehab process in the beginning. If he cannot safely be on the sidelines, it will be assistant coach Micah Nori handling the head coaching duties with Finch communicating with him from the locker room.
On a positive note, indications are that Finch will be able to travel with the team to Denver should no complications arise from his surgery. It is a disappointing development given how successful the 2023-24 NBA season has been at this point for the Timberwolves, but one they will do everything in their power to overcome.
The injury for Finch occurred late in the fourth quarter. While dribbling up the court to avoid the defense, point guard Mike Conley was bumped into by Devin Booker and a foul was called. Conley collided with Finch on the sideline and the head coach immediately fell to the ground, grabbing his knee in pain.
Nori coached the final 1:40 of the game, as the Timberwolves were ahead 117-113 when the collision happened. They held on to win 122-116, as their celebration quickly turned to concern for their head coach.
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