Mitchell Robinson, the former New York Knicks center, revealed that a hand injury affecting his availability for the NBA Finals opener stemmed from a moment of personal distress linked to a family emergency. In a social media post on Sunday, Robinson explained the circumstances surrounding the injury and discussed the mental health challenges he faced during the season.

Robinson, who recently agreed to leave the Knicks and join the Boston Celtics, said the injury occurred after the Knicks' victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals. Unlike previous reports that stated the injury happened while playing, Knicks coach Mike Brown had noted it did not occur on the court. Initially described as a broken bone, Robinson clarified that the injury was to his knuckle.

The player recounted receiving news of his youngest brother’s involvement in a serious car accident upon returning to New York following Game 4. "As the eldest sibling, I felt a deep sense of concern, and I immediately went into panic mode," Robinson wrote. He detailed how, during a FaceTime call with his injured brother—who was wearing a neck brace, unresponsive, and not speaking—he feared the worst and became overwhelmed with emotion. In a moment of frustration, Robinson struck his hand on his truck, resulting in the injury.

Robinson emphasized that his family remains his foremost priority, despite his well-known enthusiasm for trucks, one of which was featured in the Knicks’ championship parade. Reflecting on the emotional and physical demands of the season, he also spoke about sacrifices he made, including limiting time spent with his daughter to concentrate on helping the Knicks secure their first NBA title in 53 years.

“Before judging someone, it is essential to understand their circumstances, which may not be publicly known,” Robinson wrote. He highlighted the importance of how individuals respond to challenges and noted that he sought medical advice regarding his condition.

Robinson’s disclosure sheds light on the personal pressures athletes may endure behind the scenes, particularly amid high-stakes competition and unexpected family crises.