After a rough stretch, the New York Knicks have strung together back-to-back wins - and it’s their defense that’s doing the heavy lifting. Against the Brooklyn Nets and Philadelphia 76ers, the Knicks didn’t just win; they clamped down.
And at the heart of that defensive surge? Mitchell Robinson.
Robinson has long been known for his rim protection and paint presence, but these last two games reminded everyone just how disruptive he can be when he’s locked in. In the Knicks’ 112-109 win over the Sixers, Robinson’s impact was undeniable - especially when it came to making life difficult for Joel Embiid.
Now, let’s be clear: Embiid still got his. The reigning MVP dropped 38 points, grabbed 11 boards, dished out five assists, and swatted two shots.
That’s just what elite players do. But Robinson made him work for every bit of it.
He challenged shots, battled on the glass, and brought a physical edge that helped set the tone for the Knicks all night.
Knicks coach J.B. Brown didn’t hesitate to call out Robinson’s performance after the game.
“Our defensive player [of the game] was Mitch; he was phenomenal,” Brown said. “Even like I said on the offensive glass, but he was really good defensively.
A couple of 50/50 balls, rebounded the ball really well, a couple of blocks. Big night from Mitch on the defensive side of the ball.”
That kind of praise isn’t handed out lightly - especially in a game where defense was the difference.
It’s been a bumpy road for Robinson over the past few seasons. Injuries have interrupted his rhythm, and consistency hasn’t always been there.
Things got even more complicated when the Knicks brought in Karl-Anthony Towns. With Towns taking over the starting center role, Robinson’s minutes and role naturally shifted.
While the idea of a double-big lineup is always intriguing on paper, Brown has leaned toward a more traditional setup - and that’s meant finding the right moments to deploy Robinson.
But when those moments come, like they did against Philly, Robinson reminds everyone why he’s so valuable. He doesn’t need the ball in his hands to make his presence felt. He alters shots, controls the glass, and brings a level of physicality that anchors the Knicks’ defensive identity.
Sure, there’s always going to be some tension when a player like Robinson - who knows he can do more - isn’t getting touches on offense. But with Jalen Brunson running the show and the Knicks’ offense flowing through its stars, Robinson’s role is clear: dominate the defensive end.
And right now, he’s doing just that.
What comes next for Robinson in New York is still something to watch. There have been some cryptic social media posts that suggest he’s thinking about his future with the team. But as long as he keeps bringing this kind of energy and impact, he’s going to be hard to keep off the floor - no matter who else is in the rotation.
For now, the Knicks are winning, the defense is clicking, and Mitchell Robinson is right in the middle of it.