Knicks' Mitchell Robinson has to 'figure it out' as horrific series continues
MIAMI — This isn’t the Mitchell Robinson who overwhelmed the Cavaliers in the first round.
It isn’t the one who anchored the Knicks’ defense all year.
The 7-foot center hasn’t been himself in this series against the Heat, and he admitted as much after his team’s 109-101 loss dropped it into a 3-1 hole.
“I got to figure it out,” Robinson said. “I got to have more energy, more urgency, try to get the job done.”
For the second straight game, Robinson was severely outplayed by Bam Adebayo as the Heat won the rebounding battle, 44-35.
Adebayo produced his second consecutive double-double, notching 23 points and 13 rebounds while Robinson managed just six points, seven rebounds and two blocks in 33 minutes.
The Knicks allowed the Heat to grab 13 offensive rebounds, seven of which came in the fourth quarter, which they turned into 17 second-chance points.
Mitchell Robinson was out-played again as the Heat won the rebounding battle. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
“S—, got to box out. We got to limit them to one shot,” Robinson said. “I didn’t do a good job of it today. And I got to be better.”
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He has been bothered by a sore hip that he has been getting treatment for on a daily basis.
Robinson didn’t want to use that as an excuse, though.
He was a monster on the offensive glass against the Cavaliers, but he hasn’t had nearly the same impact in this series.
In four games against the Heat, Robinson has 16 offensive rebounds.
Mitchell Robinson (r.) hasn’t impacted the Heat series like he did against the Cavaliers. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post
He had 11 in the last game against Cleveland.
“Hell yeah, That’s what I do. I’ve been stopped from doing it,” Robinson said. “So come out with more energy in the next game. Just fight for it. They have [Kevin] Love, he’s got a great base. He’s been in this situation many times. So just get on him.”
Source: New York Post
