Minnesota Timberwolves coach Chris Finch made a determined entrance into the Ball Arena interview room ahead of Game 1 of the conference semifinals against the Nuggets. Despite undergoing surgery to repair a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee, Finch displayed resilience by walking up to the podium with the help of a railing and taking his seat for the game.
Finch, who guided the Wolves to a 56-26 record and the No. 3 seed in the Western Conference, will have a modified seating arrangement on the bench due to his injury. Positioned slightly behind the regular courtside seats, Finch will be shielded by the scorer's table to prevent any accidental contact with players along the sideline.
Although Finch will continue to coach the team, he acknowledged the limitations posed by his injury. Assistant coach Micah Nori will assume a more active role in managing game responsibilities that require mobility, allowing Finch to focus on strategic decisions from the bench.
Despite the personal connections between the coaching staff of both teams, Nuggets coach Michael Malone emphasized the competitive nature of the playoffs. Malone highlighted the need to set aside relationships during the series, emphasizing that once the game begins, the focus shifts to on-court performance.
Finch's presence on the sidelines, albeit in a limited capacity, underscores his commitment to supporting the team despite physical challenges. His collaboration with Nori and the coaching staff exemplifies adaptability and teamwork in navigating unforeseen circumstances during a crucial playoff series.
