Minnesota Timberwolves Vet Speaks On Potential Coaching Change

The Minnesota Timberwolves are dealing with a situation no other team in the NBA is during the postseason. While injuries to players are unfortunately common for teams to have to navigate, the Timberwolves are navigating an injury to head coach Chris Finch.

Finch was involved in an accident late in the fourth quarter of Game 4 against the Phoenix Suns. Point guard Mike Conley was fouled from behind by Devin Booker and had a collision with his head coach on the sidelines.

Finch immediately grabbed his knee in pain as he needed assistance getting helped to the back. It was revealed soon after that he had torn his patellar tendon in his right knee. He underwent surgery on Wednesday.

That has put his status for the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets in danger. While Finch is expected to be in Denver with his team for Game 1 on Saturday, where he will be during the game is still up for debate.

Given his current restriction, as Finch needs to keep his leg extended, there may not be enough space for him to safely be on the sidelines. If he cannot be on the sideline, he will sit in one of the suites and watch from above.

Should that be what happens, assistant Micah Nori will be taking over head coaching duties on the sideline. Not having your head coach is something that could derail a team at this point in the season. However, Conley believes Nori is capable of getting the job done despite having a different approach than Finch.

“I’m not saying Finchy isn’t funny and all that stuff, but Finchy can seem a little more serious than Micah, and it’s good to have that kind of balance,” Conley said. “Guys really respect Micah and what he brings to our team.”

Given the continuity on the roster and coaching staff, the Timberwolves are confident they can find success no matter what circumstances they face. They will be prepared to take on the defending champion Nuggets whether Finch is on the sideline or not.