Dec 31, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) watches play against the Houston Rockets in the fourth quarter at Toyota Center. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
NBA: New York Knicks at Houston Rockets
(New York, NY) – With the New York Knicks on a six-game win streak, things are on the upswing at MSG. One of the main factors fueling the team’s run is the return of seven-foot center Mitchell Robinson.
After losing Robinson to injury and thumb surgery on January 19, the Knicks went 8-and-6 in his month long absence. A tenacious rim protector, shot blocker, and efficient scorer, Robinson gives the Knicks a presence they’ve too often lacked during past seasons.
In fact, on Monday he recorded his 38th career game in which he had at least 10 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocked shots. That’s good enough for third in Knicks history, behind Kurt Thomas (40) and Patrick Ewing (421 such games).
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau says Robinson’s defensive prowess is obvious, but he praised the big man’s impact on offense as well. Thibodeau says because Robinson effectively draws defenders into the paint, his teammate’s get better three point shot opportunities.
The Knicks enter tonight’s game against the Brooklyn Nets as the number 5 playoff seed in the Eastern Conference.
