Source: Knicks' Mitchell Robinson suffers broken pinkie ahead of NBA Finals, with no timeline for his return
Knicks center Mitchell Robinson dunks during the second half of Game 4 in the Eastern Conference Finals against the Cavaliers in Cleveland on Monday. Credit: AP/Sue Ogrocki
The Knicks have suffered a roadblock on their way to the NBA Finals. A league source said Mitchell Robinson has suffered a broken right pinkie, with no timeline for a return.
The Knicks had gone through the Eastern Conference Finals without a player on the injury report and after completing a sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers on Monday, they seemed at full strength as they await the start of the Finals on Wednesday.
The Knicks would not comment on when or how Robinson’s injury occurred. The team returned to practice Thursday after two days of voluntary workouts.
The Knicks managed Robinson’s health throughout the season as he played 60 regular-season games and 13 of the 14 playoff games. His status is uncertain, but if he can play through the pain, the fact that the injury is to his shooting hand might not be a factor. He rarely shoots from any farther out than his arm’s reach.
Teams have employed a strategy of trying to send him to the free-throw line in the postseason. He was 13-for-43 from the line, including 2-for-14 in the Eastern Conference Finals.
Robinson has been a huge factor on defense and on the glass, pulling down 5.5 rebounds in 14.2 minutes per game in the playoffs.
Steve Popper covers the Knicks for Newsday. He has spent nearly three decades covering the Knicks and the NBA, along with just about every sports team in the New York metropolitan area.
