Mitchell Robinson comes through for Knicks off the bench in Game 1: Helps inspire the team
The Knicks didn’t have Mitchell Robinson for the final six games of last year’s postseason. On Saturday night, he showed his value. The 7-footer came off the bench to notch six points, six rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 18 quality minutes as the Knicks rallied for a 123-112, Game 1 victory over the Pistons at the Garden. Coach Tom Thibodeau used Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns together at one point in the first half, and it worked well. “The size, I think, is good,” Thibodeau said.“I thought Mitch during that stretch made some really good defensive plays, in the fourth, too.
The steal that he had, the game was pretty tight, and that was a big play.He makes plays like that.
That helps inspire the team, ignite the team.Those are great hustle plays, so defensively, I think he was very good.” Coming off left ankle surgery, Robinson appeared in just 17 regular-season games.
But nobody will remember that if he can produce like he did Saturday. The Knicks were truly at full strength as the playoffs got underway. Rookie Ariel Hukporti — whom the Knicks drafted in the second round with the No.58 pick last year — was available for Game 1.
It was the first time Hukporti was available since Feb.26 after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.
He suffered the injury during his first and only career start — a 110-105 win over the 76ers.He didn’t appear in the series-opening victory over the Pistons. The 7-footer played sparingly prior to the injury, but at times served as a useful and physical big body off the bench.
That could come in handy against a tough Pistons team if Towns, Robinson or Precious Achiuwa need a break or get into foul trouble.Hukporti played in 25 games in the regular season, averaging 1.9 points and two rebounds per game. “It’s just been a gradual buildup, so he just got cleared,” Thibodeau said. In warmups, Josh Hart was sporting a Jazz Chisholm Jr.
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