Timberwolves coach Chris Finch returned to the team's practice facility Thursday, one day after surgery to repair a torn patellar tendon in his right foot.
Finch helped practice while on crutches and assisted in the team's film room as it prepared to depart for Denver on Thursday night. Denver begins Saturday night's Western Conference semifinal series against the defending NBA champion Nuggets.
Assistant coach Mika Nori is expected to be on the bench on Saturday, but Finch's role is unclear. The team wanted him close to the bench.
“I tell you, he's a member, he's a warrior,” Nori said Thursday. “When you have a leader in the building, you can always command the film room, you can command the meeting. We can maintain a higher standard and be closer to our rhythm.” It's been great to have it all year. . ”
Finch was injured Sunday night as the Timberwolves shut out Phoenix in the first round of the series. After Timberwolves guard Mike Conley collided with Suns' Devin Booker, he ran into Finch on the sideline, causing the inevitable collision. Finch twisted his knee in the process.
Tim Connelly, Tim Connelly, director of basketball operations for the Timberwolves, said: “He's been through practice, we've seen the video, he's moving around really well. We'll see if he's comfortable.” .
On Saturday, Connery added that Finch's role is “kind of unknown, uncharted territory right now.”
