Knicks' Mitchell Robinson Undergoes Surgery Days Before NBA Finals Game 1

On Thursday, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson suffered a broken right pinky finger.

The Knicks didn’t have an immediate timeline for Robinson to recover from the injury. By completing a sweep if the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday night, New York will earn over a week of rest before traveling to play Game 1 of the NBA Finals on Wednesday between the winner of Game 7 between the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night.

Per Charania, Robinson underwent surgery to repair the broken right pinky finger. He believes he’ll be available to play in Game 1. However, Robinson will still have to wear a brace on his hand.

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“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 posted on X.

Robinson started in 16 games and appeared in 60 for the Knicks this season. The seven-foot, 240-pound big man is averaging 5.3 points, 5.5 rebounds and 0.3 assists per game this postseason. He’s averaging 14.2 minutes per game on the court in the playoffs.

Knicks head coach Mike Brown believes Robinson’s defense will be a key factor for the team’s hopes to win the Finals.

"Mitch is unique, so no matter who we play, Mitch is extremely important to what we're trying to do, the way he offensive rebounds, the way he's a vertical threat in the pick-and-roll game, the way he protects the rim, his versatility guarding," Brown said, via the New York Post.

"All that stuff is extremely important for us in this series. We need him to bring it at a high level, as well as everybody else."

The Knicks need Robinson to be at his best against the Thunder or Spurs. The Thunder have a dangerous inside presence with Isaiah Hartenstein and Chet Holmgren. San Antonio’s Victor Wembanyama has been arguably the best NBA player during the postseason.

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This story was originally published May 29, 2026 at 8:36 AM.