The New York Knicks suffered a major injury scare ahead of their first appearance in the NBA Finals since 1999, as Mitchell Robinson had to undergo surgery after suffering a broken right pinkie finger.
Here’s the latest on the center’s status ahead of Game 1 between the Knicks and the Spurs.
Mitchell Robinson Injury Update: Will the Knicks Center Play in NBA Finals vs. the Spurs?
News of Robinson’s right pinkie injury broke on Thursday, and no timetable was set for his return, so many fans expected him to miss the NBA Finals, especially after he underwent surgery on Friday. However, the 7-foot-0 center is determined not to miss any games and is planning to play in the NBA Finals while wearing a brace.
Knicks head coach Mike Brown revealed on Sunday that Robinson has already started doing some individual work with his hand protected by a brace. However, he refused to reveal whether the 28-year-old could play in Game 1 on Wednesday.
Brown also revealed that Robinson would have to be cleared by the Knicks’ medical staff before being allowed to play in the NBA Finals. A final decision on his availability for Game 1 will likely be made closer to Game 1.
It is still unclear how Robinson suffered an injury to his right pinkie finger, with Brown revealing during his press briefing on Friday that the injury did not occur during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers or at practice. Robinson played 18 minutes and scored 8 points during Game 4 as the Knicks wrapped up the series with a 130-93 win.
Robinson has been an important part of the Knicks roster since being drafted by the franchise in the second round in 2018. He is averaging 5.3 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 0.6 blocks in 14.2 minutes per game during the postseason.
The center continues to provide the Knicks with crucial minutes as a backup to Karl-Anthony Towns. His strong rim protection and ability to win offensive rebounds could be crucial during the NBA Finals against Victor Wembanyama.
The Knicks go into the NBA Finals on an 11-game winning streak. After back-to-back sweeps against the Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland Cavaliers, the Knicks will have a first NBA title since 1973 (and third overall) in their sights. Having Robinson fit would certainly boost their chances against a San Antonio team that overcame the Oklahoma City Thunder in 7 games.
