Mitchell Robinson’s Return: A Work in Progress
Since Mitchell Robinson’s return from a 10-month injury layoff, he has been a dedicated and self-sacrificing presence for the New York Knicks. His return has not only bolstered the team’s defensive strength but also injected a sense of tenacity and determination. However, the rust from his extended absence is evident, as seen in the Knicks’ recent loss to the Golden State Warriors. Despite scoring seven points and grabbing five rebounds in a season-high 15 minutes, Robinson’s performance was marked by a minus-10 rating, indicative of some defensive lapses. The Warriors frequently capitalized on open shots, often due to Robinson’s inability to maintain his position and communicate effectively.
Acknowledging the Deficiencies
Robinson acknowledged his shortcomings, particularly his need to improve communication with his teammates. “For me, I gotta be more talkative,” he said. “Didn’t communicate with the guys as much as I should have. I could be better defensively. Let a guy get behind me too many times, which is something I don’t let happen often.” Coach Tom Thibodeau echoed these sentiments, noting that Robinson’s return is a process. “It’s a work in progress,” Thibodeau stated. “There were some really good plays. It’ll come. It’s about what we anticipated.” Robinson is confident in his conditioning, stating it is good and a work in progress, and he emphasizes the importance of communication to get back into his rhythm.
Early Struggles and Shining Moments
In his first two games back, Robinson’s minutes were limited to under 14, which helped manage his conditioning and minimize the impact of his rust. Against the Grizzlies, he scored six points and grabbed five rebounds, contributing positively with a plus-11 rating. However, his performance against the Heat was less effective. Despite playing more minutes, he managed only two points and two rebounds and was a minus-six on the court. Despite these inconsistencies, Robinson made crucial plays down the stretch, helping the team secure a win. His presence, even when not scoring, has been invaluable, as his defensive intimidation and rim protection provide a significant advantage.
The Impact of Robinson’s Return
Robinson’s return has not gone unnoticed by his teammates. Miles McBride highlighted the significant defensive presence Robinson brings to the court. “The intimidation factor. Seeing him at the rim is huge,” McBride said. “You have to put two guys on him to box out. We can probably take advantage of that. Corner crashes and things like that.” Robinson’s ability to draw double-teams and his physical presence in the paint not only deter opposing players but also create opportunities for his teammates. His return has reinstated a level of defensive prowess that the Knicks have been missing.
Preparing for the West Coast Trip
The Knicks are facing an upcoming five-game West Coast road trip, which will be a significant test for Robinson’s conditioning and the team’s overall resilience. Karl-Anthony Towns, who was out for Tuesday’s game for personal reasons, remains a question mark for the trip. This leaves Robinson and Precious Achiuwa as the only big men on the roster, unless the Knicks sign a free agent. The road trip will include back-to-back games in Los Angeles, which will further test Robinson’s ability to stay in top form. Coach Thibodeau and the players are approaching the trip with a focused, game-by-game mentality. “We’re not thinking about a five-game trip. Just think about the Lakers and take them one by one,” Thibodeau stated. “We know we have to be ready for that game.”
Looking Forward
As the Knicks prepare for their challenging road trip, the importance of Robinson finding his rhythm cannot be overstated. His defensive contributions and physical presence are crucial, especially with a potentially shorthanded roster. The team will need to lean on Robinson’s growing confidence and communication skills to navigate the upcoming games. While there is still work to be done, the Knicks and their fans can take heart in the progress Robinson has made and his determination to improve. With a focused approach and a united effort, the Knicks have the potential to make the most of their West Coast journey.
