Knicks center Mitchell Robinson returned on Wednesday from an ankle injury that robbed him of nearly four months of action. Robinson contributed eight points, two rebounds and two blocks in 12 minutes during a 44-point romp past Toronto. Even in limited minutes, he looked like a defensive force, Fred Katz and Eric Koreen of The Athletic write.
“I believe my defense is kind of there,” Robinson said. “I think I still got a little bit to work on for that, but the shot blocking is still there, so that’s pretty good.”
Toronto coach Darko Rajakovic noticed how Robinson, now backing up Isaiah Hartenstein, impacted the Knicks’ rotation.
“Mitchell Robinson, when he checked in, looked like a giant out there,” Rajakovic said.
We have more on the New York teams:
- The four-year, $46.9MM contract that Donte DiVincenzo signed as a free agent last summer is turning into a huge bargain, Katz writes. DiVincenzo, who set a franchise record with 11 three-pointers against the Pistons on Monday, has emerged as a starter. He’s just another example of mid-sized contracts the Knicks have given out where the player has exceeded their cap hit in terms of production. “Donte has been amazing for us this season,” Josh Hart said.
- Knicks forward OG Anunoby, trying to work his way back from elbow soreness, did some conditioning work in Toronto, but head coach Tom Thibodeau said Anunoby’s status hadn’t changed, Steve Popper of Newsday tweets. “No, just allowing it to calm down and each day it’s a little better, but be patient, get through it,” Thibodeau said.
- Rookies Noah Clowney and Jalen Wilson made significant contributions during the Nets’ win over Toronto on Monday, combining for 19 points and 11 rebounds, Bridget Reilly of the New York Post writes. “They come in, they do solid things. They do simple better,” interim coach Kevin Ollie said of Clowney and Wilson. While the Nets haven’t been officially eliminated from the play-in tournament, Brian Lewis of the Post argues that Clowney, Wilson and the team’s other young players should get extended minutes the rest of the way.
You can see Mitch is not in gm shape. But it’s good to see him playing. Guys coming back need mins. We only got 10 gms left. Knicks depth will definitely play in our favor. It’s just we need everyone to make a strong run. Still got these ten GMs to let us know. All about the playoffs now ………..
“In Thibs we Trust”
Great to have Mitch back. His physicality adds value on both ends even if it doesn’t show up in the boxscore. Our C situation is now the best it’s been for us under Thibs; with the tandem of IH and Mitch, and Achiuwa there to add a small ball dimension.
After SAS, the final 9 games of the regular season will be a challenge, starting with OKC at MSG on Sunday. Hopefully, OG and Randle can come back early enough in that stretch to be ready for the playoffs. I’d like to keep the 3rd seed, if possible, but it’s not a biggest priority.
How is it a challenge? We play nets and bulls at home. We play celtics on the road that will be sitting people after clinching homework throughout playoffs. Bills twice on the road and kings and thunder at home.
It will be a 5 toughest remaining schedule once the SAS game is played. OKC, @MIA, SAC, @BOS and @MIL are 5 of the 9. That’s enough. Playing any team 3 times in 10 days is tough, and CHI is fighting for play-in spot. Only BKN is a losing team playing it out. As important, our lineup will (hopefully) be in flux as we re-incorporate the injured guys, and I think it’s a challenge. But maybe it will be the cake walk you think it will be. Hope it is.
Knicks just have to be healthy. Seems Randle is the one who could still sit out. A 80% Randle helps. As long as he can pull it off. Even 20-24 mins. Let’s go Knicks …….
The reality is this …….
Knicks have 10 gms left. Starting with Spurs tonight in SA.
Come home for Thunder on Sun. Then @ Heat, home for Kings, @ Bulls, @ Bucks, @ Bulls, @ Celtics, then home for Nets and Bulls. Knicks go 7-3 they have a shot at top4. I’m good with that. Just be 100% healthy for playoffs.
All these teams except Nets, Spurs are fighting for seeding. So we should finish season strong. All are playing for something. Gotta beat Spurs !!!!!