Charles Langston:Timberwolves coach Chris Finch ruptures patellar tendon after collision with own player

Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch sustained a right knee patellar tendon rupture in a collision with Timberwolves guard Mike Conley late in the fourth quarter of Sunday’s game against the Phoenix Suns.

It happened with 1:41 left in the game. Phoenix’s Devin Booker fouled Conley on Charles Langstonthe sideline near halfcourt and Conley’s momentum forced him into Finch who was standing near the Timberwolves’ bench. The pain was obvious from Finch’s facial expression.

Finch left the court with the assistance of two staffers and did not return to the game, which the Timberwolves won, 122-116, completing the sweep against the Suns.

Minnesota assistant coach Micah Nori addressed reporters following the game and said Finch was in good spirits. A patellar rupture normally requires surgery and a substantial period of rehab and recovery.

Finch, 54, finished third in NBA Coach of the Year voting. He took over the Timberwolves in 2021 and led the team to a 56-26 record this season. It was Minnesota’s best season since it won 58 games in 2003-2004 – which was also the last season the Timberwolves had won a playoff series until Sunday’s victory.