The Knicks secured a 111-107 win over the Nets with the help of Mitchell Robinson, who successfully faced the Nets’ “Hack-a-Mitch” strategy by sinking five of eight free throws. Robinson, who is a 56-percent free-throw shooter, expressed his satisfaction with his performance, citing his focus on improving his free-throw skills. He acknowledged that he still has areas to work on, including his conditioning and timing, but felt like he was making progress in the right direction. Robinson had been averaging 15.3 minutes in eight appearances since returning in March from ankle surgery, but played 25 minutes in the recent game due to Isaiah Hartenstein’s absence.
With Hartenstein out for Achilles maintenance, Robinson played extended minutes, including the entire fourth quarter, showcasing his ability to impact shots and cover a lot of ground on the court. Coach Thibodeau praised Robinson’s performance, highlighting his unique skills in pick-and-roll coverage and shot-blocking. While Hartenstein played 33 minutes in the previous game, his minutes were managed in the recent match due to the back-to-back schedule and the team’s cautious approach to his injury recovery process. Thibodeau indicated that the decision to limit Hartenstein’s minutes was based on managing his overall health and injury status, and suggested that medical considerations would determine his availability in the upcoming playoffs.
The Knicks had to make adjustments to their lineup due to Miles McBride’s absence because of a non-COVID illness, with Jericho Sims starting at center and contributing two points and four rebounds in 23 minutes of play. Thibodeau’s decision to make lineup changes and manage player minutes strategically reflects the team’s focus on maintaining overall player health and maximizing performance on the court. Despite challenges with player availability and health issues, the Knicks were able to secure a crucial win over the Nets, showcasing their resilience and depth as a team. The team’s success in managing player rotations and adjusting strategies to counter opponents’ tactics will be key as they prepare for the upcoming playoffs and aim to make a strong postseason run.
