Knicks Star Mitchell Robinson Plans to Play in NBA Finals After Undergoing Surgery on His Broken Pinky Finger: Report

Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks. Credit: Dustin Bradford/GettyNEED TO KNOWMitchell Robinson underwent surgery for his broken finger ahead of the New York Knicks' first game in the 2026 NBA Finals on June 3 • >News that the Knicks center broke his right pinky was made public earlier this week • >The Knicks will either take on the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs in the championship seriesMitchell Robinson has his eye on the prize.

>The New York Knicks star, 28, sparked concerns from fans after news broke earlier this week that he underwent surgery on his broken right pinky finger just days before from Game 1 in the NBA Finals, but league sources report that he still hopes to play despite the injury.

>News of Robinson's hand injury was first shared by James Edwards III and Fred Katz ofThe Athletic on Thursday, May 28. At the time, the status of his return was unclear, as well as exactly when and how the break was sustained.

Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks at the NBA Eastern Conference Playoffs at State Farm Arena on April 30, 2026 in Atlanta. Credit: Kevin C. Cox/GettyThe next day, The Athletic shared an update on Robinson's medical status, revealing that he underwent surgery on the right pinky he broke earlier in the week and that the team is reportedly "hopeful" he can return for the Knicks' first game on Wednesday, June 3.

>Still, it remains unclear how Robinson suffered the injury.

>News of the star center's finger injury broke shortly after the Knicks secured a spot in the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 after sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers 4-0 in the Eastern Conference finals on May 25.

Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks on March 31, 2026, in Houston. Credit: Jack Gorman/GettyWhile it's still to be decided whether the Knicks will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs in their continued pursuit for the coveted Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy, Robinson's absence would be a significant blow to the New York team.

>Robinson has been a crucial backup center for the Knicks, anchoring their bench unit with solid rim protection and elite offensive rebounding. Robinson, who serves as the primary backup to Karl-Anthony Towns, has made notable contributions to the team in the Knicks' playoff run to the 2026 NBA Finals.

>The Thunder and Spurs will take their battle to Game 7 of the Western Conference finals on Saturday, May 30.

>The victorious team of the winner-take-all matchup will advance to the championship series to play against the Knicks.

Jalen Brunson #11 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks. Credit: Scott Taetsch/GettyThe Finals are scheduled to tip off on June 3. The final game between the teams takes place on Wednesday, May 27.

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>After the win, Knicks star Jalen Brunson was named Eastern Conference Finals MVP. Brunson, 29, said he doesn't "take for granted" the excitement around the city amid the Knicks advancing to the Finals.

>"The belief that the organization has in me has been amazing, and something I don't take for granted, and something not a lot of people get the opportunity to do... so I'm very thankful," he said. "It's an honor to be here in this city for this organization with my teammates."

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