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INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — For Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals on Sunday night, Mitchell Robinson, a forward for the New York Knicks, took the place of guard Josh Hart in the starting lineup.
This decision was reflected in the lineup card, which was distributed half an hour prior to the game. The change came after the Indiana Pacers secured victories in the first two games of the series, both played on New York’s home floor. The Knicks secured a win in Game 3, finishing with a score of 106-100.
Robinson’s inclusion provided the Knicks with greater size defensively, which proved effective in hindering the Pacers’ fast-paced offensive style. He contributed six points, six rebounds, one block, and one steal over 29 minutes of play.
Before Sunday’s matchup, Josh Hart had been averaging 12.3 points and shooting 48.4% from the field, including 41.3% from beyond the arc, while playing close to 37 minutes per game during the playoffs. However, he had only attempted nine shots and accumulated a mere 14 points through the first two contests. Hart ended up contributing 34 minutes from the bench, tallying 8 points and grabbing 10 rebounds, several of which came during a crucial run in the fourth quarter.
Robinson’s rebounding capability provided the Knicks with valuable energy in the opening two games of the series.
On the whole, the 7-foot center has been averaging 4.1 points and 7.1 rebounds throughout the postseason, maintaining an impressive shooting percentage of 52.8% from the field.
