Forward Dorian Finney-Smith underwent successful surgery on Wednesday to correct a contracture of his right pinky finger, the Nets announced. He’s expected to be cleared for offseason workouts in about six weeks, the team says.
Contractures are characterized as a permanent shortening of muscle fibers, which reduces flexibility. When people try to move the muscles affected, they become rigid and cause pain.
Considering the injury was on his shooting hand, it likely affected Finney-Smith’s performance this season. After making 39.5% of his three-pointers over the past two seasons, he shot just 33.7% from deep in 2022/23.
Here’s more from the Atlantic:
- Maine Celtics head coach Alex Barlow has been hired by Butler University as an assistant coach, the Bulldogs announced in a press release. Barlow spent eight seasons with the Celtics organization after playing under president of basketball operations Brad Stevens at Butler. “From the day Alex walked on campus at Butler, his goal was to be a coach,” said Stevens. “In his time here, he’s shown he’s going to be a really good one. Though we’ll be sad to see him leave Boston and Maine, I’m excited for him that his first college assistant job will be back at his alma mater. I know he can’t wait to get back to Hinkle.”
- The Knicks are peaking at the right time and have become a team no one wants to face in the playoffs, according to Mike Vaccaro of The New York Post. The Knicks never trailed their series-clinching Game 5 victory over the Cavaliers, Vaccaro notes. “The way this team plays resonates with all our fans,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said after the game. “They play hard and play smart and play together. When you play that way in New York it’s always recognized. You need everybody in a situation like that to win on the road and play the way we did and that’s a credit to our entire team.”
- Tyrese Maxey struggled mightily against Boston this season and that has been the case throughout his three-year career. The Sixers guard expects to be better against the Celtics in their second-round matchup, writes Keith Pompey of The Philadelphia Inquirer. “I mean, the ultimate goal, it’s not about me. It’s about winning,” Maxey said.
What the Knicks have exhibited against the Cavs is that each time there was a run against them and the lead was down to 6, they played as if the 6 point lead was a tied game and shot it back to 10-12, or more. That mentality, plus the bench playing as if they were the first team is IMHO what pushed them past the Cavs surprisingly in 5 games.
Knicks have the better bench. And they are peaking at the right time. This is still a rebuilding team. So they are still learning to play with each other. Hence still peaking !!!!
Thibs has put together guys. Who reflect his philosophy in coaching. And they are coming together.
Our depth is showing. And we are playing good team defense. Two things you have to have. To have success in the playoffs. Cavs are a good team. And we beat them in 5. Peaking at the right time ….. NYK
whereDuHatersat ………..
I’m hoping Obi comes to play. He has a great opportunity here. Plus it will give time to heal for Randle.
Knicks play faster. And there is more ball movement with Obi. Our offense is tighter as a team. Imo Heat will not be ready for this. Still can’t believe Heat beat Bucks. But it’s over here. NYK