Mitchell Robinson made his highly anticipated return to the New York Knicks on Friday night, helping the team secure a narrow 114-113 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Robinson had been sidelined for the first 58 games of the season due to a left knee meniscus tear that required surgery following an injury sustained in a game against the Philadelphia 76ers.
In his season debut, the seventh-year center showcased his skills by contributing six points and five rebounds in just 12 minutes off the bench. He demonstrated efficiency, shooting 4-of-5 from the field. Robinson's presence on the court is expected to bolster the Knicks' rebounding and defensive capabilities, which have been areas of concern during his absence.
Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau expressed optimism following Robinson's performance, stating that he "brings a different dimension to our team." Thibodeau noted, "The first game back, for the amount of time he's been out, I thought it was really, really good." However, he also acknowledged that Robinson would require time to readjust to the pace of NBA games after such a lengthy period away from competitive play.
Robinson averaged 5.6 points and 8.5 rebounds in his previous 31 games this season before his injury. His career shooting percentage stands impressively at 70%, highlighting his efficiency in scoring. As he begins to reintegrate into the lineup, the Knicks will monitor his progress closely. "Short stints for a while to see where he is. Been out a long time," Thibodeau remarked regarding Robinson's upcoming playing time.
The Knicks will reevaluate Robinson's condition in four to six weeks to ensure his health and readiness for the remainder of the season. His return could not only enhance the team's performance but also play a crucial role in their playoff aspirations as they navigate a challenging schedule ahead.
Leave a Reply