The outlook for the New York Knicks in the 2024 NBA Playoffs changed drastically in Game 3 against the Philadelphia 76ers. They lost the game 125-114, cutting their lead in the series in half, as they are now ahead 2-1.
However, losing the game wasn’t the worst thing that occurred. The worst thing would be yet another ankle injury to center Mitchell Robinson. Robinson was seen leaving the arena in a walking boot, with a dirty play by Joel Embiid being the center of attention 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 was receiving the benefit of the referee’s whistles throughout the game as well.
Embiid attempted 21 free throws in the game, while the Knicks as a team had only 19. New York will have to find a way to adjust to how the game is being officiated, but figuring out how to fill Robinson’s minutes is the No. 1 goal for head coach Tom Thibodeau moving forward.
Nothing has been announced about Robinson’s status moving forward, but things certainly didn’t look great after the game. If Robinson is forced to miss time, Thibodeau could opt to turn to Precious Achiuwa.
Achiuwa stepped into Robinson’s spot in the rotation in the second half and handled himself well. He played 10 minutes, scoring four points with one block. New York was +6 in his time on the court, an encouraging number as the Knicks more than stayed afloat with him out there.
There are certainly some advantages to having Achiuwa in the game, as his athleticism is a lot to deal with on offense with Embiid hampered. But, it is defensively where the Knicks are going to need him to hold up should he play rotation minutes.
In his stint in Game 3, he was able to do that. As shared by KnicksMuse on X, Achiuwa found success slowing down his matchups. The 76ers shot 2-for-8 when Achiuwa was the primary defender.
That shows two things. The 76ers are going to target Achiuwa relentlessly whenever he is on the court. He is at a huge size disadvantage when matched up against Embiid and Philadelphia will look to exploit that. The other thing it shows is that Achiuwa is capable of holding his own.
The center minutes will be something to keep an eye on for the Knicks moving forward in the NBA Playoffs. 48 minutes of Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein was a lot for Philadelphia to deal with. Can they remain as effective turning to Achiuwa or Jericho Sims if Robinson is out? That will go a long way in determining who advances onto the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
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