The Minnesota Timberwolves notched a playoff series sweep over the Phoenix Suns, advancing to the second round of the NBA playoffs for the first time since 2004. However, their victory was bittersweet as head coach Chris Finch suffered a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee during the game.
The Minnesota Timberwolves' jubilant victory over the Phoenix Suns in Game 4 of their first-round playoff series was tempered by an unfortunate injury to head coach Chris Finch.
Finch collided with guard Mike Conley Jr. in the fourth quarter, leading to a ruptured patellar tendon in his right knee. The gruesome injury left him writhing in pain as he was helped off the floor and onto a cart to leave the arena.
Despite the setback, the Timberwolves managed to secure a 122-116 win that clinched a 4-0 series sweep. Anthony Edwards led the team with a game-high 40 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, including a thunderous tomahawk slam over Kevin Durant.
After the game, Durant lauded Edwards' performance, saying, "So impressed with Ant. My favorite player to watch. Just grown up so much since he came into the league. His love for the game shines bright."
Karl-Anthony Towns also had an impressive outing with 28 points and 10 rebounds, expressing his excitement for the future of the team. "I couldn't be happier," he said. "Playing with my man on my right just makes it more special."
Timberwolves assistant coach Micah Nori reported that Finch was in "good spirits" despite the injury. "He's obviously disappointed that he's not going to be able to be on the sidelines with us," Nori said. "But he's still our coach, and he's still going to be leading us."
The Associated Press contributed to this article.
