Speed an ally of Mitchell Robinson in battle with NBA bigs
Mitchell Robinson #26 of the New York Knicks goes to the hoop for a basket during the third quarter against the Brooklyn Nets at Madison Square Garden on Monday, Oct. 29, 2018 in New York City. Credit: Jim McIsaac
WASHINGTON — Mitchell Robinson has shown little hesitation in facing up to the stiffer tests in the NBA, even if his last games before this season were against high school players in Louisiana.
He took on the Mavericks’ DeAndre Jordan on Friday and put together his best performance of the season with 13 points, 10 rebounds and three assists. On Sunday night, it was the Wizards’ Dwight Howard, and Robinson had 10 points and six rebounds.
“He’s big, strong,’’ Robinson said Saturday. “The thing I can do is run down the court a little faster than he can. That could help us a lot.’’
Said coach David Fizdale, “I think when you go into battle with a beast, you’ve got to figure out what’s your strength. His strength is speed. He knows he cannot muscle around with Dwight. He can compete against him, but come on, Dwight is one of the great physical players of our league.”
Knox still on hold
After playing three-on-three, Kevin Knox speculated Saturday that he would be a game-time decision Monday night against the Bulls. That was relayed to Fizdale, who shook his head.
“Kevin’s not making any diagnosis,” he said. “My 19-year-old pro right now. We’ll see how it goes. I want him to play five-on-five first. I know he feels great, but at the same time, we’ve got to make sure on that deal.”
For Knox to get a full practice, that would mean he would not play until Saturday in Toronto. The team will not practice after back-to-back games Sunday and Monday unless Fizdale can scrape together a five-on-five mix of players and coaches Tuesday.
No answers for Lee
Courtney Lee has been sidelined all season after a collision in practice, and the Knicks have had no updates on his possible return. Lee has received treatment for neck spasms.
“I had no idea that this was going to go on as long as it has,” Fizdale said. “I’m hoping soon just for his sake. He’s been such a pro, been engaged in all of them, but I know it’s killing him. But I just couldn’t tell you when it’s going to happen.”
