Knicks' Mike Brown Ready to Handle 'Hack-A-Mitch' Tactic

Knicks coach says team has plan to counter intentional fouling of center Mitchell Robinson in playoffs

Apr. 18, 2026 at 11:33am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a basketball game in sharp, fragmented geometric shapes and planes, conveying the strategic complexity of managing intentional fouling tactics.Intentional fouling tactics could disrupt the Knicks' playoff offense, requiring strategic adjustments from coach Mike Brown.Atlanta Today

New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown says the team is prepared to handle the 'Hack-A-Mitch' tactic, where opponents intentionally foul center Mitchell Robinson to disrupt the Knicks' offense. Brown said the team has different strategies in mind depending on the game situation. Robinson struggled at the free throw line in last year's playoffs when teams heavily deployed this tactic.

Why it matters

The 'Hack-A-Mitch' strategy was a major factor in the Knicks' playoff exit last season, as Robinson's poor free throw shooting made him a liability on the court at times. How the Knicks handle this tactic could be a key factor in their postseason success this year.

The details

Knicks coach Mike Brown said the team has discussed ways to counter the 'Hack-A-Mitch' tactic, where opponents intentionally foul center Mitchell Robinson to disrupt the Knicks' offense. Brown said the team's approach will depend on the game situation, but they understand teams may try this strategy, especially if the Knicks' offense is clicking. Last playoffs, Robinson shot just 39% from the free throw line on 56 attempts over 18 games, leading to him being taken off the court in crucial moments.

  • The Knicks are still finalizing their playoff scouting reports and playbooks ahead of their first-round series against the Hawks.
  • In last year's playoffs, the 'Hack-A-Mitch' tactic was heavily deployed by teams like the Pistons and Celtics.

The players

Mike Brown

Head coach of the New York Knicks, tasked with finding ways to counter the 'Hack-A-Mitch' strategy used against his team in the playoffs.

Mitchell Robinson

Starting center for the New York Knicks, who struggled at the free throw line when opponents intentionally fouled him in last year's playoffs.

JB Bickerstaff

Head coach of the Detroit Pistons, who heavily deployed the 'Hack-A-Mitch' tactic against the Knicks in last year's playoffs.

Joe Mazzulla

Head coach of the Boston Celtics, who also used the 'Hack-A-Mitch' strategy against the Knicks in the playoffs last season.

Charles Oakley

Knicks legend who believes Mitchell Robinson is key to the team's playoff success and needs to average 25-27 minutes per game.

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What they’re saying

“We've talked about it. We have different things in mind that we'll do. A lot of them will come down to time and score and feel. But we understand that's what teams may want to do, especially if our offense is clicking at that point in time.”

— Mike Brown, Head Coach, New York Knicks

“Mitchell Robinson is the key for [the Knicks] off the bench, whatever they do. He needs to average 25 minutes, 27 minutes, from the first playoff game until the last one because with the offensive rebounds, nobody can block him out.”

— Charles Oakley, Knicks Legend

“I think they both prepare great. That's what I take from it.”

— Mikal Bridges, Knicks Player

What’s next

The Knicks will finalize their playoff scouting reports and playbooks ahead of their first-round series against the Hawks, where the 'Hack-A-Mitch' strategy is likely to be deployed again.

The takeaway

The Knicks' ability to effectively counter the 'Hack-A-Mitch' tactic will be a key factor in their playoff success this year, as it disrupted their offense significantly in last year's postseason. Coach Mike Brown's preparation and in-game adjustments will be crucial in ensuring Mitchell Robinson's impact is not diminished by this strategy.