Knicks crush the Wizards 109-91 as Mitchell Robinson fractures hand

Mitchell Robinson’s double-double night was shattered with minutes before halftime, suffering a right hand fracture that also shadowed Knicks’ 109-101 win over the Washington Wizards at Capital One Arena.

Robinson logged 20 minutes and was already 10 points and 14 rebounds on the stat sheet – a first half career high – when he attempted to block a shot and bumped his hand off Julius Randle‘s elbow. Today, he will be re-evaluated in New York, per coach Tom Thibodeau.

“It was probably the best first half of the year for him and obviously we know how important he is to the team. Any time someone gets hurt, you certainly feel for him.”

– Tom Thibodeau

The Knicks took the lead early in the game and from there, they never let the Wizards to tie the score. But the game went relatively close until the closing minutes of the third quarter when the lead increased by 18 points. New York dominated their opponents in the paint outscoring them 58-42 and also on the field goal percentage, shooting 44.9% compared to Washington’s 38.2%.

Randle scored a game high 24 points and collected 18 rebounds and Elfrid Payton scored 12. Derrick Rose, who made his debut in Miami, scored 14 points off the bench, delivered 6 assists and grabbed 4 steals, creating many opportunities for the guys in the second unit.

Immanuel Quickley led the bench with 16 buckets and fellow first round pick Obi Toppin added 8.

The Wizards, who played without Bradley Beal – rested for the first time this season – were led by Russell Westbrook’s 23 points 10 assists and 9 rebounds. Garrison Mathews followed with 14 buckets.

With Robinson out, the Knicks will have to rely more on Nerlens Noel and Taj Gibson unless they want to pull the strings and make a trade before the March 25th deadline.

“The great value and the thing Mitch brought to the team was the defensive component, and I feel Nerlens does many of those same things extremely well. And of course, Taj, that’s been his strength throughout his career, so I don’t want to lose that piece of it.”

– Tom Thibodeau

Next up:

The Knicks (12-15) will host the Rockets (11-14) tonight from 8:00 pm.