Mitchell Robinson Shines Despite Knicks’ Narrow Loss to Hawks in Game 2

In an intense matchup on Monday night, the New York Knicks battled the Atlanta Hawks in Game 2 of their playoff series, ultimately falling short with a score of 107-106. Notably absent from the game strategy was the infamous "hack-a-Robinson" tactic aimed at exploiting the Knicks’ center, Mitchell Robinson.

Robinson’s Impactful Performance

Despite the loss, Mitchell Robinson made a significant impact on both ends of the court. Over just 18 minutes of playing time, he contributed:

• 13 Points
• 7 Rebounds
• 1 Steal
• 1 Block

Robinson’s agility and skill were evident as he dominated the paint, showcasing his ability to score and defend effectively.

Mitchell Robinson slams the ball during the third quarter in Game 2. (Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post)

The "Hack-a-Robinson" Strategy

In Game 1 of the series, Hawks’ coaches targeted Robinson at the free-throw line, resulting in a disappointing 1-for-4 performance at the charity stripe. However, Knicks coach Mike Brown remained unfazed by this tactic. He confirmed:

“We’ll probably just keep in [our] normal rotation… He’s going to get an opportunity, and we’re confident he’ll knock them down.”

When asked about the possibility of adjusting strategies, Brown added:

“If we need to make a change, we feel confident in Josh [Hart] playing the center, especially the way we’re playing. We’re OK with them fouling Mitch, if that’s what they want to do.”

In this game, Robinson went to the free-throw line only twice, managing to split his attempts. While his offensive presence was strong, it was not enough to secure a victory for the Knicks, who now look to regain momentum as the series progresses.

Coach Snyder’s Take on Robinson

Hawks’ coach Quin Snyder acknowledged the respect for Robinson’s skill level while discussing the Game 1 strategy. He stated,

“Every game’s different… Do you weigh one more foul, do you sub definitely? That’s one of those things we’ll continue to evaluate.”

Snyder emphasized that Robinson’s presence on the court significantly influences offensive strategies, further complicating the Hawks’ approach.

Looking Ahead

As the series heads into its next phase, the Knicks will need to find ways to leverage Robinson’s strengths without allowing opposing teams to exploit his weaknesses at the free-throw line.

Key Takeaways

• Mitchell Robinson’s Stat Line: 13 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block in 18 minutes.
• Coaches’ Reactions: Both coaches remained strategic and adaptive, evaluating Robinson’s impact on game plans.
• Next Steps: The Knicks need to reinforce their strategy to capitalize on Robinson’s abilities while mitigating fouling practices.

For ongoing updates on the Knicks and their playoff journey, consider subscribing to Inside the Knicks for exclusive insights and analyses.