Mitchell Robinson a huge force in paint once again in Knicks Game 2 win over Celtics
BOSTON — Through two games in this Eastern Conference semifinal series, nobody has made a bigger impact than Mitchell Robinson.The 7-footer was a key part of the Knicks’ Game 1 victory and he was pivotal to their heart-stopping 91-90 Game 2 win Wednesday night.Robinson was a force on the defensive end, finishing with six points, eight rebounds and three steals in 22 minutes off the bench.The Knicks outscored the Celtics by 19 points with Robinson on the floor, and they are 32 points better than the Celtics in the series in the 43 minutes Robinson has been on the court.“Just be better than the last game [was my mindset],” Robinson said.
“Came in with high energy, because I knew they would come out aggressive.I had to make some adjustments myself.”In the series opener, the Celtics intentionally fouled Robinson multiple times, and he went 3-for-10 at the free-throw line.
The Celtics went to that method again, but the Knicks took him out before they were in the bonus.“Actually, that makes me feel like I’m a threat.You want me out the game,” Robinson said.
“I’m just saying, you trying to get me out the game? Why do you want me out the game?”Sports+ subscribers: Sign up for Inside the Knicks to get daily newsletter coverage and join Expert Take for insider texts about the series.Robinson was involved in the final defensive stand that gave the Knicks a 2-0 series lead.After Jalen Brunson hit two free throws with 12.7 seconds left, Robinson drew Celtics star Jayson Tatum on a switch.
Tatum attempted to drive past him, but Robinson stuck with him.Tatum veered close to the baseline, where Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby helped off their men, and Bridges stole Tatum’s pass intended for Jaylen Brown, sealing the win.“Pretty epic,” Robinson said.
“He’s a great player, so I did whatever it takes to get it done.”After logging just 13 ineffective Game 1 minutes due to an illness, Kristaps Porzingis came off the bench and scored eight points an...