By Johnny Askounis/ info@eurohoops.net
Following a deal to join the Boston Celtics as an unrestricted free agent, NBA champion Mitchell Robinson revealed the emotional crisis behind his recent hand surgery.
After helping the New York Knicks sweep the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals of the 2026 NBA Playoffs, presented by Google, the 28-year-old center received word that his youngest brother had been in a severe car accident. Seeing his brother unresponsive on FaceTime, he panicked.
“I broke down in tears, feeling like a failure for not being able to protect my siblings,” Robinson wrote in a lengthy Facebook post on Sunday, explaining that being 910 miles away made him feel entirely helpless.
In a moment of intense frustration, the Florida native struck his truck, causing the injury that altered his postseason run. “I would like to address the concerns regarding my finger, which was actually my knuckle,” he clarified, directly addressing the physical setback that appeared to impact his catching ability during the NBA Finals 2026.
Despite the damage to his hand, he chose to play through the pain. He managed to take the court for every single game of the best-of-seven championship series, averaging 13.4 minutes per contest. Reflecting on the intense external scrutiny he faced, Robinson emphasized the hidden burdens athletes carry, noting that he had also sacrificed seeing his daughter during the season to stay focused.
“Before judging someone, it is essential to understand their circumstances, which may not be publicly known,” he stated, urging fans and critics to show more empathy.
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