Former New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson’s status at the start of the NBA Finals was in question due to a hand issue.
He was able to play through it but released a statement on Sunday adding context to the injury. The center clarified that the hand injury was actually an injury to his knuckles.
Robinson stated that the injury stemmed from a personal issue off the field. He talked about how he was returning from the Eastern Conference finals and had heard that his brother was in a car accident.
“I received an unexpected phone call, and my family members contacted me, informing me that my youngest brother had been involved in a car accident. I did not see the messages until I arrived home late that night.
As the eldest sibling, I felt a deep sense of concern, and I immediately went into panic mode. I began returning calls and texts, and when I FaceTimed my brother, I thought he was deceased. He was wearing a neck brace, unresponsive, and not speaking.
I broke down in tears, feeling like a failure for not being able to protect my siblings. Being 910 miles away, I felt helpless. In a moment of frustration, I banged my hand on my truck.”
The center’s availability was in question, but he played through the injury after talking with doctors. New York would go on to win the NBA Finals 4-1 over the San Antonio Spurs.
Robinson averaged 5.7 points, 8.8 rebounds and 19.6 minutes per game during the regular season. In the NBA Finals, he averaged 3.6 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 13.4 minutes per game, so his performance came in under his year-long average.
Since winning the championship, Robinson has left the Knicks in free agency. The center is now a member of the Boston Celtics, signing a 3-year, $47.4 million deal.
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