Mitchell Robinson’s 16-minute stats leave Mike Brown ‘shocked’

NEW YORK – The The New York Knicks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 137:114 on Wednesday night, improving to 5-0 at home. The win was New York’s third in as many games amid a seven-game homestand, the longest since 2013.

The biggest difference in statistical data was rebound, where The Knicks dominated the Timberwolves 50 to 31. Ten of those rebounds came from Mitchell Robinson in just 16 minutes.

Robinson had nine of New York’s 21 offensive rebounds on Wednesday. Minnesota grabbed nine offensive rebounds as a team, for reference. The center has missed five games so far with a “left ankle injury” but has been effective when available.

Head coach of the Knicks Mike Brown he told reporters after the game that Deuce McBride was tabbed as the “defensive player of the game.” He added that Robinson was also under consideration.

“It could have gone to Mitch,” Brown said of the honor after Wednesday night’s win. “I thought Mitch had about nine blocks or ten blocks, I was shocked he only had three. But Mitch was everywhere, guarding everything. Contesting shots, blocking shots.”

Robinson was destructive for the Timberwolves in the third quarter. The Knicks won the period 40-28, and the big man played half. In those six minutes, he recorded three offensive rebounds and scored six points. During that time, he recorded all three of his blocks.

Mike Brown appreciates Mitchell Robinson’s new influence

The eight-year center has been an integral part of New York’s several playoff series victories. His size and defense against Joel Embiid in 2024 catalyzed a 4-2 rout of the Philadelphia 76ers. He was the reason “the lights were too bright” for the 2023 Cleveland Cavaliers.

Unfortunately for Robinson, his availability has been inconsistent in recent seasons due to injuries. In the 2023-24 and 2024-25 seasons, the defensive anchor missed a total of 116 games.

In the three games he played early this young season, he is average 6.33 offensive rebounds. The Knicks beat Robinson’s 16 minutes by seven points on Wednesday. They are 2-1 in games he has been active.

New York is better equipped this year than last season to get through the stretch without Robinson. Guerschon Yabusele played nine minutes against Minnesota. The six came before both teams closed out the game with their reserves.

Second-year center Ariel Huckporty earned Brown’s trust early. With Robinson gone, Hookporty has filled in as the Knicks’ starting center. Brown does this to keep the second unit together.

Brown already appreciates Robinson’s influence more and more. His postgame press conference on Wednesday proved that when it became interactive at one point.

“I’m going to take a poll. Who’s — who’s seen a stat where somebody plays 16 minutes and gets nine offensive rebounds? Raise your hands,” Brown said to direct his audience.

When one reporter raised his hand, the Knicks coach gave them an incredulous look and asked, “Who?

“Mitch,” Newsday’s Steve Popper replied with a smile.

“I like that,” Brown said after a short but hearty laugh. “Yes! It was absolutely amazing.”