PHOENIX — Minnesota coach Chris Finch tore the patellar tendon in his right knee following a collision with Timberwolves guard Mike Conley in the fourth quarter of the team’s playoff victory over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night.
Finch was helped off the court and then left the arena on 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 grimaced and immediately grabbed his right knee.
He lay down for a few minutes, surrounded by Minnesota players, coaches and staff, before slowly getting up and being helped off the court.
Minnesota beat the Phoenix Suns 122–116 to win the first-round series, advancing to the second round for the first time since 2004.
Assistant coach Micah Nori directed the team for the final 1:41. Nori said Finch was in the medical room to be checked out and the team went to see him after the game.
“He’s obviously in a good mood and so are the guys,” Nori said.
Conley said he didn’t see Finch until the last moment and tried to hold 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 victory.
“I told him to sit down — he shouldn’t be standing like that at the end of the game,” Conley said. But prayers for him, I’m sure he’ll be fine.”
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