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Knicks Keep Mitchell Robinson on Short Stints as Minutes Begin to Rise

New York is staging his return to safeguard long-term availability following two left-ankle surgeries.

Overview

  • After Monday’s 115-113 loss in Miami, Mike Brown said Robinson is cleared for the 20s and “could play 27 minutes,” yet he logged 18 and has not topped 20 in seven outings.
  • The cadence is set by vice president of sports medicine Casey Smith’s staff, with the Knicks steering clear of back-to-backs and heavy stretches for now.
  • Robinson described his conditioning as a work in progress and has accepted two- and three-minute bursts that keep his career-low 16.6 minutes per game.
  • Guerschon Yabusele’s extended run against the Heat, prompted by Karl-Anthony Towns’ foul trouble, curtailed Robinson’s fourth-quarter time and left New York lighter on rim protection late.
  • Despite the cap, he leads the league in offensive rebounding (5.7 per game, 12.5 per 36) and is averaging 3.9 points, 9 rebounds and a block in a contract year.