PHOENIX (AP) – Minnesota coach Chris Finch suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee Sunday night when he collided with Timberwolves guard Mike Conley in the fourth quarter of a playoff win against the Phoenix Suns. Ta.
Finch was helped off the court and then left the arena in a cart. The Timberwolves confirmed the nature of Finch's injury.
Conley was dribbling down the sideline, but collided with Suns star Devin Booker and ran into Finch. Conley tried to prevent the fall, but Finch winced and quickly grabbed his right knee.
He lay on the ground for several minutes, surrounded by Minnesota players, coaches and staff, before slowly rising to his feet and being helped off the court.
minnesota won Phoenix Suns won the first round 122-116advancing to the second round for the first time since 2004.
Assistant coach Mika Nori led the team for the final 1 minute, 41 seconds. Noli said Finch was in the medical room getting tested and the team went to see him after the game.
“He's obviously fine and the players are fine,” Nori said.
Conley said he didn't see Finch until after the crash and tried to pick him up. The veteran guard couldn't help but crack a joke or two at his coach's expense after the Game 4 win.
“I told him to sit (his butt) down. He shouldn't be standing up like that late in the game,” Conley said. “He's in the way. But pray for him, he'll be fine.”
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