The Knicks faced a tough challenge in their recent game, missing two key rebounders. Without Mitchell Robinson due to load management and Josh Hart sidelined with an ankle issue, the team struggled on the boards during their 134-132 defeat against the Spurs in San Antonio.
The Spurs managed to grab 11 offensive rebounds, translating to 23 second-chance points, while the Knicks only managed to secure seven second-chance points. Coach Mike Brown commented on the disparity, saying, “I don’t understand how you can turn 11 offensive rebounds into 23 second-chance points. Our efforts weren’t enough. They claimed the rebounds, and we struggled to adjust. It’s tough when you allow those offensive rebounds.” He emphasized that their inability to respond gave the Spurs an edge.
Robinson is expected to be back for one of the back-to-back games at the Garden on Friday and Saturday, and Hart should return soon, as noted by Stephen Bondy. However, Robinson’s load management will continue throughout the season.
When Hart is also unavailable, the Knicks become particularly vulnerable in rebounding. This lack of depth really affects their performance in that area.
In the last two games, where both Robinson and Hart were absent, the Knicks surrendered a total of 41 second-chance points, ranking among the highest in the league for that timeframe. In contrast, the Knicks accumulated only 20 second-chance points themselves.
On the season, the Knicks average about 17.3 offensive rebounds per game, a figure that closely mirrors their total over the past two games, making it the fourth-highest in the league. They’ve also been effective in limiting second-chance points against, allowing just 14.8 per game, which stands at the 10th lowest in the NBA.
Both Robinson and Hart significantly contribute to this stat, and their absence highlights the need for other players to step up.
“They dominated us on the offensive boards,” Miles McBride remarked after the game. “It’s about effort, and we have to address this.”
Meanwhile, Trae Young is questionable for Friday’s game against the Hawks due to a right quadriceps contusion. He recently missed two games and had already been out for 22 games earlier this season due to a sprained right MCL.
