Latest News on Mitchell Robinson, the Knicks, and the NBA Finals
The center will be key for offensive rebounds in a Finals where every detail will be important
The New York Knicks could have Mitchell Robinson at the start of the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs. The New York franchise listed the center as questionable for the first game of the series after he underwent surgery last week to treat a fracture in a finger on his right hand.
As reported by Shams Charania of ESPN, Robinson remains determined to be available for the first game, although he still needs final clearance from the team's medical staff. The 28-year-old center suffered a fracture of the fifth metacarpal on his right hand and participated in a light shooting and ball-handling session during the open practice held on the media day prior to the Finals on Tuesday.
The Knicks' coach, Mike Brown, avoided confirming whether Robinson will be able to play in the opening match, scheduled for this Wednesday at the Frost Bank Center. "He did individual work on Monday. I will now speak with our medical staff to see what he can do today," stated the coach.
Robinson appeared in practice with a black bandage covering the hand he shoots with and his right wrist. The player has not explained how or when the injury occurred and did not address the media during the press day of the Finals. According to Charania, the incident happened at his home just days before the Knicks made their first appearance in an NBA Finals since 1999.
Despite the setback, Robinson's presence could be crucial for the Knicks in the series. The center has played in 13 out of 14 playoff games for the New York team this season, averaging 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game coming off the bench. His only absence was in the second game of the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Philadelphia 76ers due to illness.
Robinson was already key against the Spurs
Furthermore, Robinson was already a significant factor in the Knicks' victory over the Spurs in the NBA Cup final held in December. In that game, against the team led by Victor Wembanyama, he contributed four points, 15 rebounds, and two blocks in just 18 minutes of play.
The Knicks approach these Finals aiming to secure a title that has eluded them since 1973, while awaiting until the last moment to find out if one of their main defensive specialists will be available from the opening tip-off.
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