The outlook for the New York Knicks in the 2024 NBA Playoffs changed dramatically in Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers. They lost the game 125-114, cutting their series lead in half, as they now lead 2-1.
However, losing the match wasn’t the worst thing that happened. The worst thing would be yet another ankle injury to center Mitchell Robinson . Robinson was seen leaving the arena with a walking boot, with a foul play by Joel Embiid taking center stage from where the injury could have occurred.
Without Robinson in the lineup in the second half, Embiid went to work. He was unstoppable, as he was not only on fire with his jump shot, but also received the benefit of the referee’s whistles throughout the game.
Embiid made 21 free throws in the game, while the Knicks as a team only had 19. New York will have to find a way to adapt to the way the game is officiated, but figuring out how to fill Robinson’s minutes is No. 1 goal for coach Tom Thibodeau moving forward.
Nothing has been announced about Robinson’s status moving forward, but things certainly didn’t go well after the game. If Robinson is forced to miss time, Thibodeau could opt to turn to Precious Achiuwa.
Achiuwa replaced Robinson in the rotation in the second half and performed well. He played 10 minutes, scoring four points with a block. New York was +6 when he was on the court, an encouraging number as the Knicks more than stayed afloat with him out there.