When at his best — and, most importantly, when healthy — in the past, Mitchell Robinson’s offensive rebounding has ranked among the league’s best. It has served as a Knicks strength that dipped when he missed time.
That included the first 58 games of 2024-25, and even after he returned, it took time for Robinson to rediscover his rhythm and timing.
But with the Knicks down Karl-Anthony Towns (left knee soreness) for their 105-91 win over the depleted 76ers on Tuesday, Robinson, on his 27th birthday, took the latest step toward normal with the playoffs nearing by collecting 14 points, seven offensive rebounds — which directly led to six second-chance points — and 14 total boards.
“We need that pressure,” coach Tom Thibodeau said. “Those extra possessions are huge for us.”
Of all his birthday games, Robinson said, this one ranked as his best.
He topped 20 minutes in a game for the second time this season, and though neither he nor Thibodeau provided much insight into whether he’ll play Wednesday when the Knicks complete their back-to-back against the Cavaliers, appearing in consecutive games serves as another item on Robinson’s checklist to complete his return.
When asked if he feels as if he can be fully back by the end of the regular season, the 7-footer said, “I feel like I can.”
“Still got a lot of work to do, you know what I mean,” Robinson said of his timing with offensive rebounds. “But as of right now, I mean, it’s heading in the right direction.”
These are the nights that perhaps test it the most.
They push the limits on the minutes, on the role, on exactly what Robinson can handle.
This time, Robinson made all of his contributions while not even playing in the fourth quarter.
He snatched up an offensive rebound and dunked for the Knicks’ first points, and near the end of the first half, he tipped in another rebound before snatching the ball near mid-court and using a Eurostep to get around a 76ers defender before finishing another dunk to give the Knicks a 57-40 lead.
This all happened against a 76ers lineup missing Joel Embiid and Paul George, but Robinson still demonstrated how he can provide the Knicks an upgrade behind Towns over Precious Achiuwa — who committed a pair of ugly turnovers — and how the Knicks could continue to find ways to keep them on the court at the same time.
He still flashed the offensive rebounding instincts that can only help make that area a defining Knicks strength again.
Because in his 14th game since that Feb. 28 return, Robinson still showed that he’s getting closer to normal.
“He’s a problem,” Landry Shamet said.
