Why Mitchell Robinson’s broken finger could be ‘big story’ in NBA Finals
Yahoo Sports senior NBA analyst Kevin O’Connor reacts to the news of the Knicks center’s broken pinky finger and what it could mean for the Eastern Conference champions. Check out the full conversation on “The Kevin O’Connor Show” and subscribe on Apple Podcasts , Spotify , YouTube or wherever you listen.
Video Transcript
The Knicks, after that recording earlier today, news came out that Mitchell Robinson broke his right pinky finger with no timetable for his return.
First thought is, I mean, it's not like he can shoot any worse.
I mean, if they're, if he's gonna get hacked, it's not gonna matter.
But it obviously does matter in every other regard.
He is a lob threat.
He offers something different for Jalen Brunson as a screener in the pick and roll.
Cat can pop, can short roll, can roll as well to the basket, but Mitchell Robinson offers that screening and rolling gravity that's a different differentiation for the Knicks.
And that's one of the things that's been key to their success this postseason, and really their entire regular season as a three seed in the East.
The ability to play with different lineups, just with Mitchell Robinson, just with Cat, sometimes with both.
And I think regardless of the matchup in the NBA finals, whether it's Oklahoma City or San Antonio, I was already thinking maybe we're gonna see Mike Brown pull this out.
Maybe you're gonna see too big for a five-minute stretch or a 10-minute stretch or a one-minute stretch to close a quarter.
And if Mitchell Robinson's out or limited, I don't feel quite as good about doing that with Huck Portey.
I-- we'll see obviously who wins this series, OKC or San Antonio.
but I think this could end up being a pretty big story if he's gonna miss time and we'll see how it transpires though in the days to come.
But that is definitely something to monitor
