Knicks Center Mitchell Robinson Stuns in Comeback Game—How His Return Changes New York’s Playoff Outlook

Mitchell Robinson injury update: minutes limit lifted as Knicks eye Game 3 boost The New York Knicks may finally have their defensive anchor back at full strength just in time for a pivotal swing game in the Eastern Conference Finals. After three ankle procedures in the past two years, Mitchell Robinson has gradually ramped up from 10-minute bursts in early March to nearly 20 minutes per outing by late April, and team sources now indicate his restrictions are “expected to be lifted entirely” before Sunday’s Game 3 against the Indiana Pacers at Madison Square Garden. Why Robinson’s return matters • Rim protection: The 7-footer owns the fifth-best defensive field-goal percentage allowed at the rim among centers who logged at least 500 minutes this season, a stat Tom Thibodeau often cites when explaining the Knicks’ drop-coverage scheme. • Second-chance points: New York ranks first in offensive-rebound rate when Robinson is on the floor, thanks to his 7-foot-4 wingspan and quick second jump. • Matchup vs Myles Turner: Indiana’s center stretches defenses with pick-and-pop threes, but Robinson’s mobility enables the Knicks to stay big without switching every screen. Timeline from surgery to clearance 1. May 2024: Undergoes subtalar fusion on left ankle. 2. December 2024: Minor cleanup procedure to remove irritation. 3. February 23 2025: Cleared for 5-on-5; goal set for early-March return. 4. March 2 2025: Logged first game action (11 minutes) with an 18-minute cap. 5. May 24 2025: Listed as a potential starter for Game 3 versus Pacers, signaling removal of limits. How the Knicks will deploy him • Starting lineup flexibility: Thibodeau hinted at sliding Karl-Anthony Towns to power forward and pairing him with Robinson to mirror the Pacers’ double-big look featuring Turner and Pascal Siakam. • Short bursts, high leverage: Even without a hard minutes cap, staffers plan to use Robinson in three-to-four-minute segments to keep him fresh for closing time. • Offensive wrinkle: Expect more rim-run actions out of horns sets; Robinson has converted 78 percent of his shots inside three feet this postseason. Robinson on his progress “I’m finally moving the way I did before the surgeries,” the 26-year-old said after Friday’s practice. “The trainers keep testing the ankle, and every metric—vertical, lateral shuffle, load management numbers—matches my pre-injury baseline. That’s the green light I needed.” What it means for Game 3 and beyond • Defensive rebounding: New York surrendered 14 offensive boards in Game 2; Robinson’s 30.2 percent defensive-rebound rate should curb second-chance looks. • Paint touches: Pacers guards drove 52 times in Game 2. Robinson’s presence historically cuts opponent rim attempts by nearly 8 per game. • Series momentum: With the best-of-seven tied 1-1, Game 3 winners advance 73 percent of the time in NBA history. Fantasy and betting impact Robinson’s potential minutes spike makes him a high-value DFS punt for blocks and rebounds. Sportsbooks have already moved his rebound over/under from 6.5 to 8.5 after Saturday’s shootaround update. Bottom line Mitchell Robinson’s ankle drama appears to be in the rear-view mirror at the most critical juncture of the Knicks’ season. If his physical gains translate under the playoff lights, New York’s interior defense—and its Finals aspirations—could take a decisive leap forward Sunday night.