Mitch Rob Returns And Kemba Cooks

Will the hungry, motivated Mitchell Robinson remain? And does Kemba's offensive production outweigh his defensive limitations?

Game Recap: Knicks beat the Detroit Pistons, 105-91 

The Knicks won an eminently winnable game last night at MSG against a team twenty games below .500. Yet, in a season where nearly a quarter of the league's players are in COVID-19 health and safety protocols (including six Knicks) and New York entered the evening just 5-10 at home, it was an important victory.

The star of the night for New York was undoubtedly Mitchell Robinson. The young center scored 17 points (on 8-of-9 shooting), ripped down a game-high 14 rebounds and blocked three shots in less than 25 minutes of action. 

The Knicks outscored the Pistons by 24 points in the 24 minutes Robinson was on the floor. New York was outscored by 10 points in the 24 minutes he was on the bench and Nerlens Noel was in the game. "You can't say enough about what Mitch did," coach Tom Thibodeau said afterward. "That's his best game, right there. That's a monster game. Big play after big play."

It was the dominant version of Robinson that we saw flashes of over his first two years in the NBA, when he showcased star potential. Remember, during his first pro season, Mitch Rob led all rookies in blocks (2.4) and FG percentage (69.4%) to go along with 7.3 points and 6.4 rebounds in just 20.6 minutes. His 2.4 BPG ranked second in the NBA and was the highest total by a rookie since Shaquille O'Neal in 1992-93. Based on advanced metrics, Robinson's performance was even more impressive. He led all rookies in PER and Win Shares, besting Deandre Ayton, Luka Doncic and Trae Young, who finished second, third and fifth, respectively. Robinson also ranked first in VORP and Box Plus/Minus, just ahead of Doncic in both categories.

The following year, Robinson converted 74.2% of all field goals he attempted, setting the all-time NBA record for the highest single-season FG percentage ever, passing Wilt Chamberlain. Over his first two years in the league, Robinson had more blocks (280) than missed FG attempts (177) and turnovers (72) combined.