Hack-a-Robinson’ Strategy Has Been Key in 2025 Celtics-Knicks Series

Knick Center, Mitchell Robinson has been an impactful player in this series against the Celtics for his defense, especially in the clutch moments of the first three games. The Boston Celtics and Joe Mazzulla have recognized that and have put Robinson on the line for him to stay off the floor, with the center at 7-for-23 from the charity stripe in this series, which is a detriment to the Knicks because they don’t want him to be benched. They need him on the floor at all times for their defense, but Boston has exposed his lack of free-throw ability. Here’s how the strategy is going to be key the rest of the way. 

The Timing of the Hack of Robinson Strategy

The timing of the Hack a Robinson has been crucial, for example, in Game 2 of this series, the Celtics employed this tactic, and the Knicks were able to use the free throw line as part of that 20-point comeback once again. But in Game 3, the strategy worked perfectly as he only made 4-of-12 from the line, and the minutes he wasn’t on the floor, the Knicks faced another big deficit and weren’t able to come back.

Final Thoughts 

Robinson is a +29 in the point differential stat in the series, hence why Mazzulla is implementing this strategy. This is huge because if he were shooting 68% instead of 30%, as he is right now, this would be a completely different series and maybe a 3-0 Knicks lead in the series. Robinson has to improve his free-throw shooting if the Knicks want to avoid the 2-0 collapse. Game 4 on Monday night is going to be the crucial game of this series, and the Knicks need Robinson to be on the court for as much time as possible. 

The Knicks have to keep the game close, and Robinson helps that cause big time, so he can’t be sensitive about it like the video he posted on his social media about the critics, and just lock in at the line and his defense. Total Apex Sports has more NBA stories like this on the site.