The return of Mitchell Robinson to the New York Knicks lineup has brought both excitement and concerns. After a 50-game absence due to a right ankle surgery, Robinson made his comeback in a game against the Toronto Raptors. However, it was in a recent game against the San Antonio Spurs that he potentially suffered a new injury.
During overtime in the game against the Spurs, Robinson landed awkwardly on a dunk attempt and sprained his left ankle. This is not the same ankle that he had previously undergone surgery on, but it still raises concerns about his health. Despite postgame assurances that he was physically fine, Robinson is listed as “questionable” for the Knicks’ upcoming game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Robinson’s performance in the game against the Spurs was a mix of positives and negatives. He played a solid game overall, with seven points and 12 rebounds. His 20 minutes on the court represented his longest appearance since his surgery in December. Robinson’s offensive rebounding skills were on display, reminding fans of his All-Defense candidacy earlier in the season.
However, there were also areas of concern. Robinson missed six of his nine shot attempts and struggled underneath the basket against Victor Wembanyama’s strong defense. The Knicks were outscored by 10 points with Robinson on the court, and his net rating was a rough minus-23 compared to his teammate Isaiah Hartenstein’s plus-15.3.
Robinson acknowledged that his timing and rhythm were off due to his extended absence from the game. He recognized that sitting out for four months can throw off a player’s whole timing. Despite this setback, he remains determined to improve and not use it as an excuse.
The return of Robinson to the Knicks lineup is seen as a positive development, especially with the playoffs approaching. It gives him time to regain his health and establish a rhythm before the postseason. However, the longer Julius Randle remains inactive, the more concerning it becomes for the team.
In his first game back from surgery against the Raptors, Robinson had a more relaxed atmosphere in a blowout victory. However, the game against the Spurs was intense, resembling a playoff game. The Spurs played up to the intensity of their crowd and emerged victorious, while the Knicks fell from third to fourth in the Eastern Conference standings.
Despite the concerns about his latest ankle tweak, Robinson expressed that the recovery from his left ankle stress fracture has been easier than his previous right foot fracture. He explained that the previous injury required a longer recovery period of about six months, whereas this one is not as severe.
Overall, Robinson’s return to the Knicks lineup brings hope for success in the playoffs. However, his recent injury raises concerns about his health and performance. It will be crucial for him to maintain his health and establish a rhythm in the remaining games before the postseason begins. With the Knicks aiming for a deep playoff run, Robinson’s contributions will be vital to their success on the court.
