Overview
- In the season opener against Detroit, Robinson played 18 minutes, scored four points, grabbed three rebounds and briefly twisted his left ankle while the Celtics blew a 22-point lead in a 121-113 loss.
- Robinson publicly took responsibility for the performance, saying "it's obviously just my fault" and that he failed to show the defensive impact he is known for.
- Coach Joe Mazzulla pushed back with support, texting Robinson after the game and framing the showing as part of an expected acclimation to Boston's system.
- Boston signed Robinson to a three-year, roughly $47 million deal to be its interior defensive anchor and rebounder, and the team plans to integrate him into a deeper center rotation that includes Neemias Queta and Luka Garza.
- Robinson will face his former team, the New York Knicks, on Friday in Boston, a quick test that could influence how the Celtics monitor his ankle, manage his minutes and speed up his on-court chemistry.