New York Knicks: Who stepped up in long awaited win over Hawks?

Mitchell Robinson

Stat Line: 6 points, 7 rebounds, 4 blocks, 3-for-5 shooting
Season Slash Line (Prior to Game): .699/—/.515
Season Averages (Prior to Game): 6.1 PPG, 4.6 RPG, 0.6 APG, 0.7 SPG, 2.1 BPG

While not a dominant night, including Mitchell Robinson in the “Who stepped up?” is more of a courtesy to his rising play since February began. He took a step forward in development, becoming one of the reasons to watch the New York Knicks for the rest of 2018-19.

Whether it was DeAndre Jordan‘s presence, bulking up or clicking with the professional game, something turned Robinson from a foul-prone, inexperienced rookie to a player that’s consistently flashing his upside as a rim-running force to be reckoned with.

Those alley-oops that were infrequent through January — they have arrived early and often in the Knicks’ games. The same goes for finding position under the hoop against the NBA’s stronger bigs, resulting in 8.8 rebounds over his previous five games.

Shot blocking has become even more apparent, and that’s what carried Robinson through this season’s first half. He’s not only contesting shots at the rim but swatting mid-range attempts — a new part of his defensive arsenal.

The offense is a work in progress, as alley-oops and putbacks are all that Robinson brings right now. From what he flashed against the Hawks and since Jordan’s arrival, though, the force that’s this 7-footer is exceeding second-round expectations and becoming someone the Knicks can build around for years to come.