The Knicks didn’t have Mitchell Robinson for the ultimate six video games of final yr’s postseason.
On Saturday evening, he confirmed his worth.
The 7-footer got here off the bench to notch six factors, six rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 18 high quality minutes because the Knicks rallied for a 123-112, Recreation 1 victory over the Pistons on the Backyard.
Coach Tom Thibodeau used Robinson and Karl-Anthony Cities collectively at one level within the first half, and it labored properly.
“The size, I think, is good,” Thibodeau mentioned. “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 surgical procedure, Robinson appeared in simply 17 regular-season video games.
However no person will do not forget that if he can produce like he did Saturday.
The Knicks had been actually at full power because the playoffs received underway.
Rookie Ariel Hukporti — whom the Knicks drafted within the second spherical with the No. 58 decide final yr — was accessible for Recreation 1.
It was the primary time Hukporti was accessible since Feb. 26 after present process surgical procedure to restore a torn meniscus in his left knee.
He suffered the harm throughout his first and solely profession begin — a 110-105 win over the 76ers.
He didn’t seem within the series-opening victory over the Pistons.
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The 7-footer performed sparingly previous to the harm, however at occasions served as a helpful and bodily huge physique off the bench.
That might turn out to be useful towards a troublesome Pistons crew if Cities, Robinson or Valuable Achiuwa want a break or get into foul hassle.
Hukporti performed in 25 video games within the common season, averaging 1.9 factors and two rebounds per sport.
“It’s just been a gradual buildup, so he just got cleared,” Thibodeau mentioned.
In warmups, Josh Hart was sporting a Jazz Chisholm Jr. Yankees basketball jersey. It will likely be given out to Yankees followers on Could 2.
Hart is an enormous Yankees fan.
He’s the great-nephew of Yankees legend Elston Howard, the primary African-American participant in Yankees historical past and a 12-time All-Star.
