NBA News NBA News, Match Reports and Updates
•Subscribe to NBA League Pass NOW
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — On Friday night, New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson made his long-awaited return to the court against the Memphis Grizzlies, marking his first game of the season after undergoing surgery on his left ankle.
In 12 minutes off the bench, Robinson contributed six points and five rebounds to the Knicks’ 114-113 triumph.
“The first game back, considering how long he’s been sidelined, was quite impressive,” said Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. “We’ve noticed his progress in practice as well. This is just the next step forward.”
However, with Robinson back on the floor, the Knicks are also coping with the prolonged absence of reserve player Ariel Hukporti. The team announced Friday that the 6-foot-11 rookie from Germany had surgery for a meniscus tear in his left knee, an injury he sustained during Wednesday’s victory over Philadelphia.
Robinson, now in his seventh season, had averaged 5.6 points and 8.5 rebounds over 31 games in the 2023-24 season before his playoff run was cut short in the second round. He boasts a career field goal percentage of 70%.
Thibodeau mentioned prior to the game that Robinson “adds a new dimension to our team.” He anticipates that Robinson’s rebounding and defensive skills will take precedence over his offensive game as he acclimates after missing the first 58 contests of the season.
“We’ll keep his minutes short for the time being to gauge his readiness. He’s been out for a considerable period,” Thibodeau said. “Obviously, the dynamics of games differ significantly from practice. He’s experienced, so I believe he knows his strengths. He just needs to give it his all.”
Hukporti had played 16 minutes in the win against the 76ers—his first starting role of the season—hitting 4-of-5 attempts from the field for a total of eight points, alongside two rebounds. For the season, he is averaging 2.1 points and two rebounds over 25 games.
He is set to be re-evaluated in four to six weeks.
