Mitchell Robinson's Free Throw Struggles Pose Playoff Dilemma for Knicks
The Knicks' starting center is a defensive force, but his poor free throw shooting makes him a liability at times.
Apr. 20, 2026 at 5:54pm
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Mitchell Robinson's free throw struggles have become a recurring issue for the Knicks in the playoffs, as opposing coaches exploit this weakness to disrupt their offense.NYC TodayMitchell Robinson, the starting center for the New York Knicks, has struggled mightily from the free throw line throughout his NBA career. His poor free throw shooting has led opposing teams to intentionally foul him, a strategy known as 'Hack-a-Mitch', which has limited his playing time in crucial playoff moments. Despite Robinson's defensive impact and offensive rebounding prowess, the Knicks must find a way to keep him on the floor in the postseason as they look to make a deep playoff run.
Why it matters
Robinson's free throw struggles have become a recurring issue for the Knicks in the playoffs, as opposing coaches have exploited this weakness by intentionally fouling him. This strategy disrupts the Knicks' offensive flow and forces them to make difficult decisions about Robinson's playing time, which could ultimately impact their postseason success.
The details
Over the past few playoff runs, coaches such as Quin Snyder, Erik Spoelstra, Nick Nurse, and Rick Carlisle have all deployed the 'Hack-a-Mitch' strategy against the Knicks, sending Robinson to the free throw line repeatedly. Despite his defensive prowess and offensive rebounding ability, Robinson has struggled mightily from the charity stripe, converting just 32.7% of his free throw attempts during the Knicks' playoff run last season. This has made him unplayable at times, as the Knicks are forced to sit him to avoid the strategy disrupting their offense.
- During the third quarter of the Knicks' playoff game against the Hawks on Saturday, coach Quin Snyder intentionally fouled Robinson twice in a row to send him to the free throw line.
- In the 2023 playoffs, Erik Spoelstra's Heat used the 'Hack-a-Mitch' strategy to limit Robinson's playing time in their series against the Knicks.
- In the 2024 playoffs, Nick Nurse's Raptors and Joel Embiid's Sixers also deployed the strategy, which ultimately ended Robinson's postseason campaign due to an injury.
The players
Mitchell Robinson
The starting center for the New York Knicks, known for his defensive prowess and offensive rebounding ability, but has struggled mightily from the free throw line throughout his career.
Quin Snyder
The head coach of the Atlanta Hawks, who intentionally fouled Robinson during a playoff game to send him to the free throw line.
Erik Spoelstra
The head coach of the Miami Heat, who used the 'Hack-a-Mitch' strategy against Robinson during the 2023 playoffs.
Nick Nurse
The head coach of the Toronto Raptors, who deployed the 'Hack-a-Mitch' strategy against Robinson during the 2024 playoffs.
Joel Embiid
The star center of the Philadelphia 76ers, who was involved in an incident that ended Robinson's 2024 playoff campaign.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident
“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”
— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee
What’s next
The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
