Mitchell Robinson key to Knicks series win over Cavaliers: 'He’s the top big man in the league'
The first question for RJ Barrett after the Knicks’ series-clinching win over the Cavaliers on Wednesday was what he thought of Mitchell Robinson coming down with 18 rebounds.
Barrett had a confused look before he grabbed the stat sheet, given to everyone who speaks at the podium, on the table. Robinson, who was seated next to Barrett, snatched the sheet from his teammate’s hand to look for himself before exclaiming “11 offensive [rebounds].”
“That kinda says it all,” Barrett said after giving Robinson a congratulatory handshake. “He’s been great all series. We’ve needed every single rebound he got. He was great.”
Barrett’s not wrong. While many will point to the leadership of Jalen Brunson, the resurgence of Barrett or the tenacity of Josh Hart as the X-factor for the Knicks advancing to the second round for the first time since 2013, it’s Robinson’s ability to be the overwhelming presence down low that seemingly tipped the scales in New York’s favor.
“Mitch did a great job,” Hart said. “He dominated on both sides of the board, especially on the offensive side. Giving us second chances. This series he showed he’s the top big man in the league. He’s going to anchor this defense and I look forward to seeing this continue.”
Robinson finished with 18 rebounds (11 offensive) to go along with 13 points, two steals, three blocks and an assist in Wednesday’s win. It was the seven footer’s second straight game with double digit rebounds.
The Knicks outrebounded Cleveland 227 to 186 in the five-game series thanks in large part to Robinson. He outplayed Jarrett Allen, who was an All-Star this season, and was seemingly always there to get a rebound or guard the basket.
“We just matched their intensity,” Robinson said. “We came out, played hard. We matched them.”
“I think [Robinson is] the best offensive rebounder in the league,” head coach Tom Thibodeau said. “Sometimes he has two bodies on him and now his defensive rebounding is coming along now. The shot-blocking, rim protection, pick and roll defense and his offense is coming along as well.”
Brunson added:
“When he’s out there, he’s relentless. His passion in trying to block shots and anchor this defense. What he’s done this year is nothing short of incredible.”
Hart said after Game 5 that he and Robinson had a competition going for who could get more rebounds in this series. The competition was close but Robinson won out, 41-39. But the only winner both cared about was the team moving on to the next round, no matter what role they had to play.
“We both take pride in [rebounding],” Hart said. “Isaiah [Hartenstein] takes pride in it, too. It’s the little things that help win games. It’s not the most glamorous but for us that’s what we do. That’s how we help, that’s how we contributed and we’re going to continue to push each other.”
The Knicks will look for Robinson to get those rebounds when they take on the Miami Heat in the Eastern Conference Semifinals starting Sunday at Madison Square Garden.
