PHOENIX (AP) — Minnesota coach Chris Finch has a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee after a collision with Timberwolves guard Mike Conley in the fourth quarter of the team’s playoff win over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night.
Finch was helped off the court and later walked off the field in a cart. The Timberwolves confirmed the nature of Finch’s injury.
Conley was trying to dribble down the sideline when he collided with Suns star Devin Booker and hit Finch. Conley tried to break his fall, but Finch turned away and immediately grabbed his right knee.
He was down for a few minutes surrounded by Minnesota players, coaches and staff, then slowly got up and was helped off the court.
beat minnesota Phoenix Suns won first round series 122–116Advancing to the second round for the first time since 2004.
Assistant coach Mika Nori directed the team for the final 1:41. Norrie said Finch was getting checked out in the medical room and the team went to see him after the game.
“He’s obviously in a good mood and his boys are in a good mood too,” Nori said.
Conley said he did not see Finch until the last moment and tried to catch him after the collision. The veteran guard couldn’t help but crack a joke or two at the coach’s expense after the Game 4 win.
“I told him to sit his (butt) down – he shouldn’t be standing that long in a game,” Conley said. “he is on his way. But prayers continue for him, I am sure he will recover.”
,
AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/NBA
