NBA Finals Notes: Mitchell Robinson, Mike Brown, refs, court design

Knicks center Mitchell Robinson remains determined to play in the NBA Finals.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, Robinson is still planning to suit up for Game 1 despite recently undergoing surgery to repair a fractured right pinky finger.

Robinson still must receive medical clearance, but Charania reported that the veteran big man remains “resolute” in his desire to play.

The injury has become one of the biggest X-factors entering the series.

Robinson’s size, rim protection and offensive rebounding could play a major role against Victor Wembanyama and the Spurs’ frontcourt.

Knicks coach Mike Brown said Robinson has only participated in individual work since suffering the injury and has not yet returned to contact activities.

Kerr rooting for Brown

One person who will be watching closely is Warriors coach Steve Kerr.

Brown spent six seasons on Kerr’s staff in Golden State and helped the Warriors win three championships before eventually becoming a head coach again.

Now, Brown is four wins away from his first title as a head coach.

“I’d be thrilled for him,” Kerr told Jared Schwartz of the New York Post. “He’s a great friend. He was a wonderful assistant coach and helped us win multiple titles here.”

Kerr called Brown one of the most organized and detail-oriented coaches he has worked alongside and said he has enjoyed watching his former assistant guide the Knicks to the Finals.

Veteran officiating crew announced

The NBA also unveiled its officiating crew for the Finals.

Among the 12 officials assigned to the series are longtime veterans Tony Brothers and Marc Davis, each of whom will be working their 15th NBA Finals.

Scott Foster was also selected and will be making his 19th Finals appearance. Curtis Blair is the lone first-time Finals official among the group.

Finals logos return

Meanwhile, one longtime NBA tradition is making a comeback.

The league formally confirmed that the Larry O’Brien Trophy graphic and “The Finals” script logo will once again appear on the courts during the championship series.

The decision has been welcomed by many fans, who have spent recent years lobbying for the return of the iconic Finals look.

Sometimes the little things matter. And for many basketball fans, the Finals simply feel bigger when the court looks like the Finals.