Mitchell Robinson has never been known for his free throw shooting - in fact, it’s been the biggest hole in his game since he entered the league. But on Friday night, in a tough 116-107 loss to the Sixers, Robinson gave Knicks fans something new to talk about: real progress at the line.
Robinson finished the night with a monster stat line - 21 points and 16 rebounds - but what really stood out was his efficiency from the stripe. He knocked down 7 of his 8 free throws, a massive leap for a player who came into the game shooting just 6-for-27 on the season.
That’s not just bad - that’s “teams are fouling you on purpose” bad. And that’s exactly what had been happening in recent weeks, as opponents leaned into the hack-a-Mitchell strategy rather than let the Knicks get into their offensive flow.
So what changed?
After the game, Robinson talked about a tweak in his shooting form that’s already paying dividends. “I feel way more comfortable,” he said. “Getting my elbow up under it, getting it up in the air a little, it’s been great.”
That might not sound like much, but for a big man who’s struggled to find rhythm at the line, it’s a significant shift. Robinson has typically shot free throws with a flat release and little arc - the kind of shot that doesn’t give the ball much of a chance to bounce in even if it hits the rim. But with a higher release and better mechanics, he’s giving himself a fighting chance.
Now, to be clear, one good night doesn’t erase the struggles. Robinson is still sitting at just 37 percent from the line this season. But if Friday’s performance is a sign of things to come, it could be a game-changer - not just for him individually, but for the Knicks as a whole.
Because the truth is, Robinson already brings so much to the table. He’s one of the league’s most physical rebounders and a true difference-maker on defense, anchoring the paint with elite rim protection. The only thing holding him back from being a more complete threat has been his inability to convert at the line - especially in close games, where free throws can swing momentum and dictate who stays on the floor in crunch time.
If Robinson can continue to build on this improvement, it adds a new dimension to his game. It forces defenses to play him straight up.
It keeps him on the court late in games. And it gives the Knicks a little more breathing room in tight situations where every point counts.
We’ll need to see more consistency before we call it a full-blown turnaround, but Friday night was a big step in the right direction. Mitchell Robinson is putting in the work - and for a team that’s looking to make noise in the East, that kind of development matters.