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1. Chris Finch Timberwolves coach surgery
2. Timberwolves head coach Chris Finch update
3. Chris Finch recovery from surgery
Timberwolves’ Chris Finch will coach courtside after surgery
Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch overcame a recent knee surgery to lead his team in the conference semifinals against the Nuggets. Despite his injury, Finch remains determined to coach from the sidelines with the help of assistant coach Micah Nori. The Wolves, boasting a remarkable 56-26 record this season, are aiming to advance further in the playoffs under Finch’s guidance. While facing off against the Nuggets, Finch’s focus remains on game strategy and supporting his team in pursuit of victory. With his resilience and coaching expertise, Finch is prepared to lead the Timberwolves to success in the postseason.
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Dave McMenamin, ESPN Staff Writer
DENVER — Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch handed his crutches to a team staffer, grabbed a wobbly railing and walked up two steps onto the podium in the Ball Arena interview room before plopping down in a chair ahead of Game 1 of the conference semifinals between the Wolves and Nuggets on Saturday.
“All right, that’s easy,” Finch said with a chuckle.
Finch underwent surgery Wednesday to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. He suffered the injury last week when he collided with Minnesota point guard Mike Conley in Game 4 of the Wolves’ first-round sweep of the Phoenix Suns.
Finch, who finished third in voting for Coach of the Year this season in leading Minnesota to a 56-26 record and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, will sit in a seat slightly behind the rest of the courtside seats comprising the Wolves’ bench. The scorer’s table to Finch’s right should serve as a sort of barrier to protect the coach from careening players along the sideline.
“I feel pretty good, all things considered,” Finch said. “The plan was to try to be here all along. Just see how I felt day by day and then just kind of figure out logistically how it might work being on the bench and with the other coaches.”
While Finch will still coach the game, he said he will lean heavily on assistant coach Micah Nori for many of the more mobile responsibilities that come up during the game.
“I’ll be on the bench, but the game interaction, the game flow will be largely run by Micah,” Finch said. “And I’m obviously not in a position to be able to get up, call timeouts, interact with the players, that kind of stuff. But being right there with the coaches and the players in the huddles, that stuff will be the same.”
Before Game 1, Nuggets coach Michael Malone mentioned his previous coaching ties to Finch, Nori and Wolves general manager Tim Conley, who hired him in Denver, but said those relationships will be set aside for the second round.
“Whether it’s people we know or don’t know, once that jump ball goes up, they’re in our way,” Malone said.
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The Minnesota Timberwolves faced a setback just before Game 1 of the conference semifinals against the Nuggets when head coach Chris Finch underwent surgery for a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. Despite the injury, Finch showed his determination by making his way to the Ball Arena interview room with the help of crutches and a railing, ready to lead his team from the sidelines.
Finch, who guided the Timberwolves to an impressive 56-26 record and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference this season, will have to adjust to a new coaching position slightly behind the team’s bench. Assistant coach Micah Nori will take on more active roles during the game, while Finch focuses on being present with the team and providing guidance during huddles.
The coach’s positive attitude was evident as he expressed his commitment to being there for his team despite the physical limitations caused by his recent surgery. Finch’s dedication to his players and the game of basketball shone through as he prepared to face the Nuggets in a crucial playoff matchup.
Before the game, Nuggets coach Michael Malone acknowledged his past connections to Finch, Nori, and Wolves general manager Tim Conley but made it clear that once the game begins, those relationships would be put aside. Malone emphasized the competitive nature of playoff basketball, where familiarity with opponents takes a backseat to the desire to win.
As the Timberwolves prepared to take on the Nuggets, Finch’s presence on the sidelines served as a source of inspiration for his team. Despite the challenges he faced, the coach’s determination to be there for his players and provide support during a critical playoff series was evident to everyone watching.
In the end, the focus was on the game itself, with both teams looking to secure a victory in Game 1 of the conference semifinals. With Finch coaching from a new vantage point and Nori stepping up to take on additional responsibilities, the Timberwolves were ready to give their all on the court in honor of their injured leader.
As the game unfolded, fans and players alike were reminded of the resilience and dedication required to succeed in the high-stakes world of professional basketball. Finch’s presence, even in a limited capacity, was a testament to his commitment to his team and his passion for the game.
In conclusion, Chris Finch’s decision to coach from the sidelines after surgery demonstrated his unwavering dedication to the Minnesota Timberwolves and his belief in the team’s ability to overcome adversity. As the series against the Nuggets continued, Finch’s influence and guidance would undoubtedly play a crucial role in the team’s quest for playoff success.
