Robinson is an important piece for the Knicks, as he brings rim protection and defensive prowess to the team when healthy. He played stellar on-ball defense against Celtics wing Jayson Tatum in Game 2, forcing him baseline as he was chased off the top of the key, and eventually blocked by Mikal Bridges to seal a win.

An injury cost them Mitchell Robinson for most of the year. They needed a center and they got one in Karl-Anthony Towns that fundamentally changed almost everything about them. On paper, at least, this was meant to be a five-out,

The Boston Celtics continued with their strategy of fouling Mitchell Robinson intentionally. They kept on doing it long after it seemed necessary, sending the New York Knicks backup center to the line even with a 29-point lead in the second half.