The Minnesota Timberwolves are in the Western Conference Semifinals! Now, here’s a sentence most NBA fans (of a certain generation) thought they’d never read. However, the Anthony Edwards hype train keeps on gaining momentum, as he has played an instrumental role in turning Minnesota’s fortunes around. Another key figure in the T-Wolves resurgence is HC Chris Finch. The 54-year-old has had a transformative impact on the Timberwolves organization. However, he might not be on the sidelines for Minnesota’s most important series in two decades.

The 54-year-old head coach suffered what looked like a knee injury, following a sideline collision with T-Wolves’ Mike Conley. The incident took place in the closing minutes of the fourth quarter. Subsequently, Chris Finch was immediately carried off the court. After the game, reports emerged that Finch had ruptured the patellar tendon in his right knee. Considering his age, Finch might have a lengthy road ahead of him before making a complete recovery. Acknowledging the severity of Finch’s injury, a visibly emotional Anthony Edwards let his true feelings out in the post-match presser. He said, “I was mad as hell. I was pissed off, but we had to finish the game.”

Anthony Edwards further credited Chris Finch for all the success he has achieved so far. But, Ant also admitted his trust issues with Finch, when they first started out together. Here’s what he said, “At first it was up and down. I’m like, ‘he don’t want me doing this. He want me to do this.’And we fighting, which is like a regular coach-player relationship. But when you tell me something works and I try, and it works. I can’t fight you.”

Now, having already qualified to go to the semis, T-Wolves would be watching the Nuggets and Lakers fight it out to find their semis opponent. With the Nuggets already leading, 3-1, the reigning champions would look like the most probable opponents here. However, Chris Finch’s injury might jeopardize their title hopes.

Will the Minnesota Timberwolves miss Chris Finch’s sideline presence?

Recovering from a patellar tendon rupture is challenging for even a young athlete, let alone a 54-year-old head coach. His injury is pretty serious, with medical experts suggesting he might not be able to bend his knee for at least a month, or maybe for an even longer time. This diagnosis implies that Finch would find it difficult to coach his players from the sidelines during the semis.

Sports Medicine doctor and Youtuber Dr. Brian Sutterer also made some concerning prognosis regarding Finch’s injury. He said, “He’s gonna have a brace on his knee that keeps his knee locked out straight for probably more like six weeks if not longer. So, it could have some serious implications on the game. I think Finch will be there, but he will certainly not be front and center, right there at the front bench, coaching.”

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Finch’s injury is particularly unfortunate because it coincides with Minnesota’s first appearance in the Western Conference Semifinals since the 2003/04 season. Moreover, Finch narrowly missed out on the Coach of the Year award, as OKC Thunder’s Mark Daigneault took home the award. Therefore, Finch’s injury may have a detrimental impact on Minnesota’s postseason ambitions.