Mitchell Robinson vs. the Celtics – Deeper Breakdown of the 2025 Playoffs Saga
Mitchell Robinson of the New York Knicks is at the center of one of the most discussed moments of the 2025 NBA Playoffs. A catastrophic free-throw airball in Game 2 against the Boston Celtics earned mockery and analysis in equal measure. But Robinson’s true playoff story is layered: his inability at the line coexists with elite defensive impact that played a crucial role in the Knicks’ 2–0 series lead.
The Airball Heard 'Round the League
In the fourth quarter of Game 2, Robinson approached the stripe with the Knicks nursing a narrow lead. His free throw sailed wide right—no rim, no backboard, not even net. Social media exploded. Critics, fans, and analysts dubbed it “the worst free throw in NBA history.”
The moment was so jarring that Larry Brown Sports and Total Pro Sports both ran headlines questioning whether anyone had ever seen a more embarrassing playoff miss.
Not an Anomaly: A Pattern of Struggle
This wasn’t a fluke. Mitchell Robinson has long been known for poor free-throw shooting. In Game 1, he went 3-for-10 (30%), prompting the Celtics to begin an aggressive "Hack-a-Robinson" strategy. This isn't new territory for him:
Coach Tom Thibodeau faces a recurring late-game dilemma—whether to keep Robinson in for his defense and risk giving away points at the line.
? Defensive Masterclass in Game 2
What redeems Robinson’s performance is his dominance in all non-shooting aspects of the game:
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Rebounds: 8 (including several offensive second-chance opportunities)
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Steals: 3 (disrupting key Celtics plays)
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Point Differential: Knicks were +19 with him on the floor
His sheer presence forced Boston into uncomfortable shots, altered offensive rhythms, and protected the rim with elite timing and physicality.
Tactical Fallout: How Boston and New York Adapt
Boston’s Approach:
Knicks' Adjustments:
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Possession-by-possession substitutions: Swapping Robinson out on offense late in games
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Use Robinson in short, high-impact bursts: Especially at the start of quarters and defensive possessions
Media Reactions: Viral Ridicule Meets Basketball IQ
The airball was immortalized across platforms like TikTok, X, and Instagram. Comments ranged from ridicule to sympathy, with some fans calling for him to be benched. But NBA insiders argued that the Knicks cannot afford to lose his defensive presence—even if it means living with missed free throws.
? Game 3 Outlook at Madison Square Garden
The Knicks return home for Game 3 with a 2–0 series advantage. The pressure is mounting not just on Boston to respond—but on Robinson to:
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Re-establish offensive credibility (or be hidden better)
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Maintain elite-level defense
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Avoid mental fallout from online criticism
Game 3 will be a litmus test for both the Celtics’ adjustments and Robinson’s psychological resilience.
? Robinson's Paradox: Weakness Meets Strength
Mitchell Robinson remains the embodiment of a modern NBA paradox: a player whose limitations are glaring and exploitable, yet whose strengths are so impactful that he remains irreplaceable. He is not a two-way threat, but he's a game-changer on one end—and that still counts, especially in a series decided by one possession.
Quotes
“That was absolutely horrific… but then he blocked two straight shots the next possession.” — New York Post analyst
“He’s still a +19 guy. You can’t ignore that.” — Posting and Toasting podcast
“You need buckets, he’s a liability. You need stops, he’s a savior.” — Daily Knicks
Summary
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Infamous Airball: Mitchell Robinson's free throw in Game 2 missed the entire hoop structure, quickly going viral.
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Recurring Issue: His career and playoff FT percentages remain well below average, reinforcing a critical offensive liability.
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Strategic Foul Target: Boston exploited his weakness with a "Hack-a-Robinson" approach starting in Game 1.
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Elite Defense: Despite shooting woes, Robinson dominated defensively in Game 2 with 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and a +19 plus-minus.
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Knicks Win Narrowly: A 91–90 final score made every possession matter, including his presence in the paint.
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Coach’s Dilemma: Balancing his defensive impact against offensive risks is a challenge for Tom Thibodeau.
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Media Double-Take: While ridiculed online for the free throw, many analysts defended his broader value.
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Game 3 Pivot: Back at MSG, Robinson must respond both physically and mentally to ongoing scrutiny.
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Boston’s Counterattack: Expect intensified fouling and efforts to draw him off the floor.
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Robinson’s Role: He’s flawed, but still foundational to Knicks' defense—and their playoff hopes.