The New York Knicks are heading to the NBA Finals for the first time in decades, and center Mitchell Robinson is determined not to miss a single second of it—even if he has to play with a broken finger.
Just days before the Finals tip off, ESPN’s Shams Charania broke the news that Robinson had fractured his right pinky finger. Initially, there was no timetable for his return. But in a rapid follow-up, Charania revealed that Robinson had already undergone surgery and fully intends to suit up for Game 1 on Wednesday, wearing a protective brace on his hand.
“Mitchell Robinson has undergone surgery on his broken right pinky finger — and fully plans to play in the New York Knicks’ Game 1 of the NBA Finals against OKC or San Antonio next Wednesday while wearing a brace on his hand, sources tell ESPN,” Charania wrote.
Robinson, one of the longest-tenured Knicks, has endured some of the franchise’s darkest days. He was there when the team was the laughingstock of the league. So when he suffered the injury during a practice drill, the choice was never in doubt: he would do whatever it took to be on the court when the championship series begins.
Knicks fans have erupted in praise for the big man’s toughness. “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate Mitchell Robinson for pushing to play during game 1 of the NBA finals. Playing with a target on your hand especially when you know teams will play you aggressively and physically is no small task. But Robinson is built differently because he wants to be there for his team,” one fan wrote.
Another fan noted, “Mitchell Robinson was with the Knicks when they were the worst team in the NBA. He wasn’t missing this opportunity to play for a championship.”
A third fan added, “This is Huge For the Knicks because no matter who they face, rebounding and rim protection will be a HUGE factor in deciding the game!”
Robinson has averaged 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds per game while shooting 73.7% from the free-throw line during the playoffs. He provides crucial depth behind Karl-Anthony Towns, but his value goes beyond stats. His presence in the paint—even with a bum pinky—could be the difference between a championship and a heartbreaking loss.
Whether he’s as effective with nine fully functioning fingers remains to be seen. But if history is any guide, Robinson will give the Knicks everything he’s got. Some fans have even joked that he might have considered chopping off the digit entirely, a la a certain Hall of Fame safety, just to avoid the hassle.
With the Finals looming, the Knicks are embracing every bit of grit they can get. Robinson’s willingness to play through pain is exactly the kind of spirit that has carried this team from the depths of the lottery to the brink of glory.
