BOSTON — The Knicks have hit the stretch of their season detractors had pointed to because the time it might collapse. However as a substitute of wilting towards the big-boy portion of the schedule, the Knicks have thrived.
After they face the Celtics on Sunday, the Knicks can have performed 12 of 18 video games towards groups with successful information. 5 of these video games have come towards Jap Convention contenders the Celtics, 76ers and Cavaliers.
Thus far, they’re a shocking 13-4, and two of these losses — to the Clippers and Lakers — have been in extra time.
Using an eight-game successful streak, the Knicks at the moment are only one sport within the loss column behind Cleveland for fourth place and 4 in again of the third-place 76ers.
And Tom Thibodeau’s crew’s remaining schedule is gentle, ranked because the Twenty second-easiest within the NBA by Tankathon.com, based mostly on the successful proportion of their remaining 17 opponents.
The Cavaliers’ schedule is thirtieth, whereas the 76ers’ is second.
Mitchell Robinson hasn’t regarded like somebody who missed 5 weeks this season.
Since coming back from a fractured proper thumb, the defensive stalwart is averaging 9.2 factors, 10.6 rebounds and 1.2 blocks in 29.2 minutes.
His 27.3 defensive rebounding proportion in that span has been spectacular, up considerably from his season common of 17.6 %.
Robinson made the defensive play of the sport Friday evening within the win over the Warmth, stealing the inbound go after Julius Randle had given the Knicks the lead with 1.1 seconds left.
“It’s enormous. He’s an elite defender,” Thibodeau stated of Robinson. “The rim safety is super. His pick-and-roll protection may be very, superb. And offensively what he provides us is stress on the rim. He will get out of screens fast. He’s going to complete every thing across the basket. … I feel he’s one of the best offensive rebounder within the league.”
Neither Robinson nor Jalen Brunson was listed on the Knicks’ damage report. Brunson had his proper ankle taped throughout the sport Friday and Robinson got here up limping after a tough fall. Each, nonetheless, completed the sport.
The Celtics can be with out beginning heart Robert Williams (left hamstring pressure) and standout reserve Malcolm Brogdon (proper ankle soreness) is questionable.
