Timberwolves coach Chris Finch returned to the team's practice facility Thursday, a day after having surgery to repair the ruptured patellar tendon in his right leg.
Finch conducted practice and worked with the team in the film room as it prepared to leave Thursday night for Denver, where it will begin an Western Conference semifinal series against the defending NBA champion Nuggets on Saturday night.
Assistant coach Micah Nori is expected to run the bench on Saturday, with Finch's role unclear. The team hoped to have him in close proximity to the bench.
"I tell you, he's a trouper, he's a warrior," Nori said Thursday "Anytime you have your leader in the building able to conduct film room, conduct meetings.