Tom Thibodeau praises Mitchell Robinson’s role in Knicks’ streak

The Knicks’ improved defensive numbers during their seven-game winning streak haven’t just been the product of better play on the perimeter. 

Center Mitchell Robinson has totaled 12 blocked shots over the past five games, including four swats in Sunday’s road trip-sweeping win in Indiana. 

“Tremendous,” Tom Thibodeau said of Robinson, who also had 10 points and 13 rebounds in 32 minutes. “Every game, it’s protecting the rim, making good decisions, guarding the pick and roll and then offensively, his offensive rebounding, then putting pressure on the rim. 

“Oftentimes, they’re putting two people on him and that opens it up. We get a tip or scramble and it’s a kickout and it’s a 3. So, just keep playing to your strengths, and he’s been playing great basketball for us.” 

The 24-year-old Robinson ranks third in the NBA in offensive rebounding, with 4.23 per game, behind Memphis’ Steven Adams (4.69) and Atlanta’s Clint Capela (4.38). He also is fifth in the league in blocked shots with 2.0 per game through 22 appearances. 

Jericho Sims also has provided tough interior defense during the streak, taking the place of injured power forward Obi Toppin on the second unit in the rotation and playing mostly alongside backup center Isaiah Hartenstein. Thibodeau has not been surprised by the second-year big man’s contributions on the interior and on the boards. 

“We knew that. Again, we saw that last year: his feet,” Thibodeau said. “So, we can do more switching with him. That’s what gives us versatility, and he can guard 4s on the perimeter, Isaiah gives us the rim protection and then they’re inverted on offense. Isaiah can play away from the basket and Jericho can play around the basket.”

Stephen Curry (shoulder), Andrew Wiggins (adductor) and Andre Iguodala (hip) remain out for Golden State (15-16). Klay Thompson (knee) and Jonathan Kuminga (knee) are probable.