Is Mitchell Robinson Playing Tonight? Latest Injury Update On Knicks Big For Game 2 Of NBA Finals vs. Spurs
The New York Knicks will be looking to take a 2-0 lead in the NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday.
Following Mitchell Robinson’s heroic performance off the bench in the Knicks’ 105-95 Game 1 win, all eyes will be on whether the 7-foot-0 center suits up for tonight’s Game 2.
Mitchell Robinson Injury Update: Will the Knicks Center Play in Game 1 of the NBA Finals vs. the Spurs?
Robinson suffered a fracture to the fifth metacarpal bone in his right hand in mysterious circumstances following the Knicks’ sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. He underwent surgery and returned to action in time for the NBA Finals. The 28-year-old suited up for the Knicks in Game 1 of the NBA Finals against the Spurs.
Playing with a black wrap over his right hand, Robinson came up with 2 points and 6 rebounds in 13 minutes, delivering a solid performance as the Knicks claimed a vital win on the road. His status for Game 2 is listed as probable on the official injury report.
Knicks fans will certainly be delighted to have him in the rotation as his rebounding ability could prove to be crucial to New York’s hopes of winning a first NBA title since 1973.
Head coach Mike Brown felt that Robinson did a solid job in Game 1 and did not think that the backup center was limited on the court.
“I didn’t think he was (limited). I’ve got to go back and watch the tape. He caught a lob. He was still a vertical threat. And then defensively, I thought he was pretty good as well, trying to rebound, keeping those guys off the glass,” he said during his post-match press conference.
Robinson also spoke about his motivation to play in the NBA Finals in what is his eighth year with the Knicks. However, he refused to dive into the specifics of how he picked up the injury.
“I didn’t have no doubt in my head. I’ve been here for eight years. There was no way I was going to miss this,” he said after Game 1.
Robinson has been a crucial part of the Knicks roster since being drafted by the franchise in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft. He has primarily been used off the bench this season, providing crucial minutes as backup to Karl-Anthony Towns.
Meanwhile, the Knicks go into Game 2 on a historic 12-game winning streak. Another win tonight would put them on the cusp of a third NBA title. Tip-off is at 8:30 p.m. ET.
