After being thoroughly dominated by him through five games, Cavaliers center Jarrett Allen came with high praise for Mitchell Robinson after the Knicks center put on a rebounding clinic in the clinching game five.
“Mitchell Robinson is just the best offensive rebounder in the league,” Allen said. “We just didn’t make the adjustment.”
Robinson hauled in 18 rebounds in Wednesday’s game five win, including a remarkable 11 on the offensive glass. In the five-game series, Robinson had at least five offensive boards in four of those contests, and his offensive rebounding down the stretch of game five helped New York milk the clock down and seal its first series victory in 10 years.
Robinson, who was injured and not a factor the last time the Knicks were in the postseason, showed his immense value on the boards, and it isn’t lost on head coach Tom Thibodeau.
“I think he's the best offensive rebounder in the league,” Thibodeau said, in agreement with Allen. “He often times has two bodies on him, and they’re making a conscious effort to keep him off the glass. Now his defensive rebounding has come along also. That’s huge.
“The shot blocking, rim protection, pick-and-roll defense, and his offense is starting to come as well.”
With Bam Adebayo and the Heat up next, Robinson’s play will again be crucial if the Knicks are to advance to their first conference final since 2000.
Follow Ryan Chichester on Twitter: @ryanchichester1
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