DENVER — Minnesota Timberwolves guard Mike Conley has been ruled out of Game 5 of the Western Conference semifinals against the Denver Nuggets because of right Achilles tendon soreness, the team announced shortly before Tuesday evening’s reveal.
Minnesota started guard Nickeil Alexander-Walker in place of Conley.
Wolves coach Chris Finch said Conley twisted his leg in the final moments of Game 4, landing awkwardly on it after attempting a corner 3-pointer with 25 seconds left in the contest.
Conley participated in pregame warmups to test his leg, but was unable to play.
Conley, 36, is averaging 13.3 points on 44.1 percent shooting, 7.8 assists and 3.8 rebounds in the series.
The Wolves are tied 2-2 with the defending champion Nuggets.
Finch said Minnesota will add to the rotation by leaning on guards Jordan McLaughlin and Monte Morris. McLaughlin has only played 11 minutes total in the series so far, while Morris has played 17 minutes.
Even without Conley, the Wolves had hope for Game 5, knowing the road team is undefeated so far in the series.
“We’ve been a good team on the road, no matter what building we play in,” Finch said. “I think the focus is there, and I’ve said for a long time that I love road games just because during the day it’s all about the game. When you wake up, when you get to the bus, when you go to shoot , when you come back to eat, when you come back to take a nap, all of that is completely planned out for you and at home there are usually more distractions.
News Source : www.espn.com
Gn sports
