By: Lucky Ngamwajasat
The Knicks‘ 2018 NBA Summer League campaign will end Friday. But they’ll leave Las Vegas feeling enthused about the play of Mitchell Robinson.
Despite an 82-75 loss to the Celtics, New York’s second-round pick continued to astound observers and filled up the stat sheet Thursday recording 17 points on 8-of-10 shooting from the field, 12 rebounds and 6 blocks against Boston.
Robinson’s tools were on display throughout the game. Early on, he showed the ability to finish around the rim, slamming home this dish from Damyean Dotson.
.@23savage____ right back at it. pic.twitter.com/MqvAAzJ5OU
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 12, 2018
The 20-year-old center once again exhibited terrific physical gifts and excellent defensive awareness, including this impressive close out block on a shot from the perimeter.
That close out though 👀 pic.twitter.com/uAbtUWkyWR
— NEW YORK KNICKS (@nyknicks) July 12, 2018
Defensively ambidextrous, Robinson can block shots with both his left and right hand.
🚫🚫🚫🚫🚫
Mitchell Robinson is having a #NBASummer block party! pic.twitter.com/0ttlQ8uSmx
— NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2018
Robinson continued to demonstrate his freakish athleticism at both ends of the floor. In the fourth quarter, he completed the “Gotham Lob” from his fellow rookie, Kevin Knox. The Knicks nearly pulled off a late comeback in the fourth quarter, but fell just short.
Kevin Knox pass ➡ Mitchell Robinson slam, AND-1#NBARooks in #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/4k9xeMFD0o
— NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2018
As for Knox, the Knicks’ first-round selection had a much quieter game in his fourth NBA Summer League outing, but he did manage to put up 15 points. This drive and scoop layup is a tantalizing preview of what’s to come for Knicks fans.
Kevin Knox to the rim! 💪#NBARooks in #NBASummer pic.twitter.com/bgv9NUkecm
— NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2018
UNSUNG HERO: Another efficient performance from Allonzo Trier, who once again started at point guard for an injured Frank Ntilikina. The former Arizona star shot 5-of-8 from the field and scored 17 points in 30 minutes.
KORNET INJURED: Luke Kornet made his 2018 NBA Summer League debut Friday, but was forced to leave the game in the fourth quarter due to an injury. Kornet had been nursing a hamstring ailment before playing on Friday.
While on the floor, the former Vanderbilt big man had some impressive moments, including this reverse dunk off the pick-and-roll action with Troy Williams.
Luke Kornet! 😳#NBASummer pic.twitter.com/FsN65I5wrp
— NBA (@NBA) July 12, 2018
[Watch the Knicks Summer League Report All Week Long at 8 PM on MSG and MSG GO.]
