Robinson’s Growing Impact
During a recent game, Miami’s Duncan Robinson maneuvered around a screen designed to create some space, contemplating a drive into the lane until he noticed Karl-Anthony Towns positioned defensively near the paint.
Making the Pass
Robinson opted for his second choice, finding Bam Adebayo, who was rolling off the screen towards the basket. However, as Adebayo halted just inside the free-throw line due to Towns’ defense and Mitchell Robinson’s presence behind him, he struggled to make a play. Adebayo attempted a pass to Kel’el Ware, but Robinson’s reach resulted in one of the Knicks’ 12 steals that night.
Thibodeau Acknowledges Defensive Strength
Head coach Tom Thibodeau commented on the advantage of having two 7-foot players, emphasizing that if one is bypassed, the other is ready to block shots at the rim, which he believes significantly influences the game.
Robinson’s Return
Robinson’s contributions are becoming more evident after his return to action post-ankle surgery. In his first game this season where he played for 20 minutes, he showcased a well-rounded performance with 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting, nine rebounds, two steals, two blocks, and an assist.
Defensive Presence
While it’s hard to quantify the drives he halted defensively, Thibodeau noted all the encouraging signs from Robinson, such as his rim protection, ability to defend against pick-and-rolls, and making multiple efforts to contest shots, all of which he was starting to excel at. Thibodeau remarked that Robinson’s movement and overall condition were improving considerably.
Bringing Aggression to the Court
Given that Robinson has had a history of injuries, including multiple surgeries that limited his playtime in recent seasons, he is gradually regaining his footing. His partnership with Towns has shown potential, with the duo delivering impressive results during limited play together.
Looking Ahead
As Robinson continues to come off the bench, the Knicks are monitoring his availability for upcoming games in San Antonio and Charlotte. His performance has reflected that he is regaining his former self, contributing significantly to the team’s defensive efforts.
