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Baxter Holmes, ESPN Senior Writer
PHOENIX — Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch suffered a torn patellar tendon in his right knee after one of his players collided on the court late in the team's 122-116 win over the Phoenix Suns on Sunday night. He was rescued from the court. Side job.
The collision occurred with 1 minute and 40 seconds left in the fourth quarter of the Timberwolves' shutout victory over the Suns for the first time in four games. Minnesota point guard Mike Conley was driving onto the court when Suns guard Devin Booker forced him out of bounds and called a foul.
Conley collided with Finch, who fell to the ground clutching his right knee. Finch was surrounded by Timberwolves players and staff who helped him on and off the court. The team later confirmed he had torn his patellar tendon.
Finch left the arena in a cart and did not speak to the media after the game, with assistant coach Mika Nori taking over the duties.
Noli said Finch was in the medical room getting tested and the team went to see him after the game.
“He's obviously in good spirits and so are the players,” Noli said.
Nori was substituted with 1:41 left in the game, and the Wolves finished the game relatively easily.
“Everyone has their role and everyone supports each other,” Nori said. “I know it sounds corny, but even if it's the coaching staff, it's just the player next to you.”
Earlier Sunday, Finch was announced as the third-place vote-getter for the NBA Coach of the Year award, behind winner Mark Dynaud of the Oklahoma City Thunder and second-place finisher Jamal Mosley of the Orlando Magic. Finch led Minnesota to its second win in franchise history.
