The New York Knicks are headed to the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years. It should be a moment of pure celebration. But for a few hours Thursday night, a four-word injury report threatened to cast a shadow over everything — Mitchell Robinson, broken finger. Then came the update that changed the mood entirely.
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| Mitchell Robinson (23) battles for a rebound during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, May 25, 2026. Photo: AP Photo/Tim Phillis |
The Injury That Scared Knicks Nation
New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson suffered a broken right pinky finger with no timetable for his return — news that dropped just as the Knicks prepared to face either Oklahoma City or San Antonio in the NBA Finals, set to tip off June 3 on ABC.
For a fan base that knows heartbreak better than most, it felt like a gut punch. Robinson had been one of the unsung heroes of New York's playoff run — energy, tenacity, and big defensive moments that don't always show up in the box score.
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| Robinson had been a key bench contributor throughout the Knicks' 2026 playoff run before the finger injury surfaced. Photo: Brad Penner/Imagn Images |
Then came the update nobody expected. A source told ESPN that Mitchell Robinson underwent successful surgery on the broken right pinky finger — and fully plans to play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals while wearing a brace on his hand.
Robinson had a "small operation" on his right pinky finger, has full range of motion, and will begin hand therapy immediately. The plan is to play Game 1.
Just like that, the mood in Knicks Nation shifted. This is not a guy willing to sit out the biggest stage of his career over a pinky finger.
What Robinson Brings to the FinalsThroughout the playoffs, Robinson has been a solid secondary center option for the Knicks. His energy and tenacity — particularly on the offensive end — often result in a New York basket, and his impact cannot be ignored even when the numbers don't jump off the page
Even a limited Robinson should provide much more defensive resistance and offensive impact than a healthy Ariel Hukporti. Assuming it is just a pain tolerance issue, Robinson — the longest-tenured Knick — will surely do everything he can to not only play, but be at his best.
The Bigger Picture: Robinson's Future in New YorkThis moment comes at a pivotal time for Robinson beyond just the Finals. Robinson is set to hit free agency after the season, and ESPN projected him for a three-year, $39 million contract — though a bidding war could push his value higher, potentially up to $64 million over four years.
Add this latest injury to the laundry list of risks the Knicks must weigh before offering him a new contract. There will still be nights and entire matchups where Robinson's utility shines — but New York will need to decide how much an injury-prone center with on-again, off-again value is actually worth.
One thing is clear though — a gutsy performance in the NBA Finals wearing a brace on a surgically repaired finger would do his free agency stock nothing but good.
The Knicks are in the Finals. Robinson is going to play. And New York wouldn't have it any other way.For the latest sports news and NBA updates, follow Mercy Buzz Hub — your number one source for global sports and entertainment updates.