Mitchell Robinson, the veteran center for the New York Knicks, sustained a broken right pinky finger ahead of the NBA Finals. He has since undergone surgery, with a hopeful return anticipated for Game 1 on Wednesday, according to sources within the league.
The specific circumstances surrounding Robinson’s injury remain undisclosed. This setback for Robinson coincides with the Knicks’ milestone achievement of reaching the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999, following a decisive sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals.
Robinson’s presence could be crucial for the Knicks, depending on whether their finals opponents will be the Oklahoma City Thunder or the San Antonio Spurs, both of whom present significant challenges. The Spurs boast seven-footers Victor Wembanyama and Luke Kornet, while Thunder’s lineup includes Chet Holmgren and Isaiah Hartenstein.
Throughout the regular season, Robinson excelled in offensive rebounding, securing a position as fourth in the NBA with an average of 4.2 offensive rebounds per game and leading the league with a 20.1 percent offensive rebounding rate.
Robinson’s career has been marred by injuries. He participated in only 31 games during the 2023-24 season and was limited to 17 games in the 2024-25 season due to an ankle injury. Last season, Robinson made significant contributions during the playoffs, aiding the Knicks in reaching the Eastern Conference finals for the first time in 25 years with his defensive prowess and rebounding skills. This marked the most games Robinson played in a season since the 2021-22 campaign, appearing in 60 games. The Knicks managed his court time, especially avoiding back-to-back games, to ensure his availability for playoff performances.
Robinson has been mostly available throughout this postseason, missing only one game. However, his minutes have decreased significantly, attributed to his struggles with free throws. His current free-throw percentage stands at just 30.2 percent, prompting opposing teams to employ intentional fouling tactics to hamper New York’s offensive momentum.
The Knicks’ rotation situation adds further complexity. Ariel Hukporti, in his second year and designated as the team’s third-string center, managed only 498 minutes in regular season play.
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