Biggest Positive for the Knicks Coming Out of Game 5: Mitchell Robinson Can Make a Free Throw 🤣

Game 5 of the New York Knicks’ playoff series brought mixed emotions for fans. While the game itself was a battle of highs and lows, perhaps the most unexpectedly uplifting moment came not from Jalen Brunson’s steady hand or Josh Hart’s hustle, but from Mitchell Robinson at the free-throw line. Yes, you read that right—Mitchell Robinson can make a free throw. 🤣

For much of his career, Robinson’s free-throw shooting has been, to put it kindly, a work in progress. Heading into this series, he was a career 52% shooter from the line, and this postseason, opponents had no problem fouling him intentionally, knowing the odds were heavily in their favor. The “Hack-a-Mitch” strategy has often made him a liability late in games, drawing frustration from fans and coaches alike.

But in Game 5, something wild happened—Robinson stepped up and knocked down multiple free throws. Calmly. Smoothly. Almost as if he meant to do it. The Madison Square Garden crowd responded as only Knicks fans can: with a mix of relief, disbelief, and thunderous celebration for something most NBA players do without a second thought. In a game where every possession mattered, those points from the stripe weren’t just feel-good moments—they were crucial.

Beyond the laughs and memes, this was actually a significant moment for Robinson and the Knicks. If he can even become a decent free-throw shooter—say, 60% or better—it changes how opposing teams can defend the Knicks in close games. No more hacking him without consequence. No more fourth-quarter benchings for one of the league’s best offensive rebounders and rim protectors. It gives head coach Tom Thibodeau more flexibility with lineups and helps New York maintain its physical edge inside.

Mitchell’s improvement at the line also speaks to his mental toughness. After years of criticism, injuries, and being the target of intentional fouling, he’s stuck with it. Making free throws under playoff pressure, in the Garden, with thousands watching and probably holding their breath? That’s not easy, especially for someone who’s struggled in that exact situation. Game 5 showed that he’s putting in the work—and it’s starting to pay off.

Of course, no one’s pretending Robinson is suddenly Ray Allen from the charity stripe. But for Knicks fans who’ve watched him brick freebies for years, this felt like a mini-miracle. It also gave the team and its fans a rare moment of levity during a tense series. Sometimes, it’s the little things—like a 7-footer knocking down a couple of free throws—that inject energy and belief into a playoff run.

So while the headlines might focus on Brunson’s brilliance or Hart’s hustle, don’t forget the unexpected joy of watching Mitchell Robinson step to the line and actually convert. Because if he keeps that up, the Knicks just got a little more dangerous—and a lot more fun to watch. 🤣