Knicks’ Mitchell Robinson plans to play in NBA Finals despite finger surgery

Mitchell Robinson apparently isn’t about to let a broken finger keep him out of the NBA Finals.

According to ESPN’s Shams Charania, the Knicks center plans to play in Game 1 while wearing a brace on his right hand after undergoing surgery on a broken pinkie finger.

Knicks coach Mike Brown confirmed Friday that Robinson had surgery, though the team has offered few details about exactly when the injury occurred. Brown said the injury did not happen during Game 4 of the Eastern Conference finals or in practice.

Video from New York’s series-clinching win over Cleveland appeared to show Robinson grabbing his right hand after coming down from a rebound attempt in the third quarter. He remained in the game and helped the Knicks finish off a four-game sweep of the Cavaliers.

Now, Robinson is expected to be available when New York opens the NBA Finals on Wednesday. The Knicks are awaiting the winner of Saturday’s Western Conference finals Game 7 between Oklahoma City and San Antonio.

The Finals appearance is New York’s first since 1999, and Robinson has been a key part of the team’s frontcourt rotation throughout the postseason.

The veteran big man is averaging 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game during the playoffs. His role has varied depending on matchups, with opponents often employing intentional fouls due to his struggles at the free-throw line.

Robinson averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 1.2 blocks during the regular season and remains one of the league’s most effective offensive rebounders when healthy.

Now comes the challenge of trying to help the Knicks win a championship with a freshly repaired finger.