Stephen A. Smith Doesn't Want to Hear Any Excuses From Knicks' Mitchell Robinson

One of the most significant storylines entering the 2026 NBA Finals is a broken right pinky finger sustained by Mitchell Robinson, which left the New York Knicks center compromised for the upcoming championship matchup.

Robinson has since undergone surgery to repair his injury, but there remains a lack of clarity regarding the nature of the ailment and how exactly it occurred. The Knicks explained that the injury occurred away from the practice or game floor, but did not provide any further details. Robinson has also steered clear of the media leading up to the start of the championship series.

With that said, despite being at less than 100% for his team's most significant matchup of the season, Robinson isn't receiving any mercy from ESPN's Stephen A. Smith. Smith lamented Robinson's injury having taken place away from the team and subsequently issued a warning to the Knicks big man.

"I don't give a damn about that damn pinky," said Smith. "You better be all right. You didn't get hurt in a game. You didn't get hurt in practice. I don't know what the hell you were doing at home, playing with your snakes.

"I don't know what the hell is going on, but I know this. I better not hear about some damn pinky getting in the way of your productivity."

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Smith continued to highlight the fact that Robinson is a role player for the Knicks, averaging 14.2 minutes per game while coming off the bench. Still, the ESPN commentator says that Robinson's time on the court will be much-needed against the San Antonio Spurs.

"You got six fouls to give, you're 7 feet tall, you're 245-250 pounds," said Smith. "You better be ready to give your contribution."

Robinson will likely be tasked with helping defend the Spurs' 7-foot-4 superstar Victor Wembanyama, who is averaging 23.2 points per game during the playoffs. Robinson has been a significant defensive force for New York throughout the postseason, averaging three defensive rebounds and recording eight blocks across 13 games.

The Knicks will need Robinson at his full efficacy defensively if they hope to limit Wembanyama en route to claiming the franchise's first NBA title since 1973.

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This story was originally published June 2, 2026 at 11:53 AM.