New York KnicksTeam·New York Knicks center Mitchell RobinsonPlayer·Mitchell Robinson is officially active for Game 1 of the NBA FinalsCompetition·NBA Finals, a pivotal development as the team prepares to face the San Antonio SpursTeam·San Antonio Spurs. Robinson's availability comes despite recently undergoing surgery for a fractured right pinky finger, an injury that had initially cast doubt on his participation in the series opener.
Robinson's determination to return quickly was evident, with reports from ESPN insider Shams Charania indicating he "fully plans to play" with a brace on his hand. This swift recovery follows an injury sustained away from basketball activities after the Knicks swept the Cleveland CavaliersTeam·Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference FinalsCompetition·Eastern Conference Finals. Despite a typical recovery timeline of over a month for such a fracture, Robinson resumed individual on-court work and practiced with the team, signaling his readiness.
The 2026 NBA FinalsCompetition·NBA Finals matchup pits the Eastern Conference champion Knicks against the Western Conference champion San Antonio SpursTeam·San Antonio Spurs. Robinson's presence is particularly crucial for the Knicks in their defensive strategy against San Antonio's First Team All-NBA superstar, Victor WembanyamaPlayer·Victor Wembanyama. Robinson's shot-blocking prowess, averaging 2.1 blocks per 36 minutes this season, and his overall defensive impact in the paint are vital assets for New York.
Throughout the 2026 NBA Playoffs, Robinson has contributed 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds in just 14.2 minutes per game. The Knicks have demonstrated a significant advantage with him on the floor, boasting a plus-21.6 points per 100 possessions when he is active. His return alleviates potential pressure on backup big man Karl-Anthony TownsPlayer·Karl-Anthony Towns and the rest of the Knicks' frontcourt.
The Knicks enter the Finals on the heels of a dominant playoff run, having finished the regular season with a 53-29 record, securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference. They swept both the Philadelphia 76ersTeam·Philadelphia 76ers and the Cleveland CavaliersTeam·Cleveland Cavaliers after defeating the Atlanta HawksTeam·Atlanta Hawks in six games in the first round. This impressive postseason performance included a franchise-record 11 consecutive wins, entering the Finals with a 12-2 record and an NBA-record +221 point differential across 14 playoff games. The Knicks also made history by becoming the first team to win the NBA CupCompetition·NBA Cup and reach the NBA FinalsCompetition·NBA Finals in the same season, having defeated the San Antonio SpursTeam·San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 NBA CupCompetition·NBA Cup championship game.
Knicks head coach Mike BrownCoach·Mike Brown had previously expressed caution regarding Robinson's status, stating, "I'm just waiting on the medical staff... He just did individual work today. So I'm waiting on the medical staff to let me know what the next step is." However, Robinson's activation confirms he received the necessary clearance, providing a significant boost as the Knicks aim to capture their first NBA championship since 1973. The Spurs, who defeated the Oklahoma City ThunderTeam·Oklahoma City Thunder in seven games in the Western Conference FinalsCompetition·Western Conference Finals, present a formidable challenge in a series that is a rematch of the 1999 NBA FinalsCompetition·NBA Finals and the 2025 NBA CupCompetition·NBA Cup championship.
Mitchell Robinson (23) battles Sam Mills (5) and Evan Mobley (4) for a rebound. UPI Photo/IMAGO
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