Knicks' Mike Brown Counters Hawks' 'Hack-a-Mitch' Strategy

Coach Brown adjusts lineup to prevent intentional fouling of center Mitchell Robinson in Game 1 win.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 5:11am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

In the Knicks' 113-102 Game 1 victory over the Hawks, the visitors employed the 'Hack-a-Mitch' strategy, intentionally fouling center Mitchell Robinson due to his struggles at the free throw line. However, Knicks coach Mike Brown was prepared, keeping Robinson in the game and getting the team into the bonus to take advantage of the easy points at the line. Brown also started Robinson in the fourth quarter to force the Hawks to either foul him or play the entire period with the Knicks in the bonus.

Why it matters

The 'Hack-a-Mitch' strategy has become a playoff staple against the Knicks, but Brown's adjustments showed his ability to counter opponents' tactics and keep his team in the game. Robinson's free throw shooting has been a weakness, but Brown found a way to turn it into an advantage for the Knicks.

The details

With the Knicks leading by seven in the third quarter, the Hawks began intentionally fouling Robinson, who was 1-for-4 from the line at that point. However, Brown kept Robinson in the game, saying he would leave him in 'until we think we need to make a sub.' This allowed the Knicks to get into the bonus with 3:19 left in the quarter, giving them easy points at the line. Brown then started Robinson in the fourth quarter, forcing the Hawks to either foul him or play the entire period with the Knicks in the bonus.

  • With 5:44 left in the third quarter, the Hawks began intentionally fouling Robinson.
  • The Knicks got into the bonus with 3:19 left in the third quarter.

The players

Mike Brown

The head coach of the New York Knicks, known for his ability to make in-game adjustments to counter opponents' strategies.

Mitchell Robinson

The Knicks' starting center, who has struggled with his free throw shooting but is a dominant presence in the paint on both ends of the floor.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The Knicks' star player, whose father, Karl Sr., attended the game for the first time since undergoing a medical procedure in late March.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We'll see how the game goes, and we'll leave him in until we think we need to make a sub. And whenever we feel like we need to make a sub, we will. But we're gonna give him a chance.”

— Mike Brown, Knicks Head Coach

“To have someone who I would say is the most important person in my life, it's really awesome to be able to have him back and Madison Square Garden supporting me. Any son out there that plays basketball or plays any sport, to see your father there, at your competition, you always have a sense of pride. You wanna make him proud. It's awesome that I get to see him on the baseline and be able to have some special moments with him.”

— Karl-Anthony Towns

What’s next

The Knicks and Hawks will face off in Game 2 on Monday night at Madison Square Garden, where Brown will look to make more in-game adjustments to counter the Hawks' strategies.

The takeaway

Mike Brown's ability to adapt and find creative solutions to counter opponents' tactics was on full display in the Knicks' Game 1 victory. His willingness to keep Robinson in the game and leverage the team's free throw opportunities showed his coaching acumen and the Knicks' depth as they look to make a deep playoff run.