Overview
- Mitchell Robinson was medically cleared and entered Game 2, where San Antonio immediately began intentionally fouling him to send him to the free‑throw line.
- The Spurs ran the 'Hack‑a‑Mitch' plan because Robinson has a long history of poor playoff free‑throw shooting and he had recent finger surgery that raised questions about his finish at the stripe.
- Robinson produced mixed results at the line, beginning 1‑for‑4 before converting a noted 2‑for‑2 stretch and finishing roughly half of his six attempts in the early sequence.
- The tactic helped San Antonio build a double‑digit lead early, but New York trimmed the margin to three before halftime and Robinson briefly drew a technical foul at the 4:56 mark of the first half.
- Fans and media criticized the move as unsportsmanlike, and the usage highlights a common NBA strategy that could shape minutes for Karl‑Anthony Towns and Ariel Hukporti if the Spurs persist with targeted fouling.