Sports
Robinson’s Quick Burst Highlights Potential for Celtics’ Big Man
Mitchell Robinson’s sluggish start in Boston has drawn criticism, but a single play on Wednesday night suggested he could still be a valuable asset. During a key moment in the Celtics’ win over the Milwaukee Bucks, Robinson’s defensive pressure on Kyle Kuzma forced a Derrick White steal. Although Robinson was 88 feet from the basket, he chased down the ball, bulldozed Kasparas Jakučionis, and helped set up an easy lay‑up for White. The play was Robinson’s only basket of the game, but he finished with 10 rebounds, six of them offensive, and the effort showed how he can create points when he stays aggressive.
Celtics coach Joe Mazzulla addressed concerns about Robinson’s early performance in a pre‑game press conference, noting that the player could still impact games in a different role that demands more energy than his bench minutes with the New York Knicks. Mazzulla highlighted that the team has been outscored by 12.7 points per 100 possessions when Robinson is on the floor, but outscored opponents by 16.9 points per 100 possessions when he is on the bench, a minus‑29.6 differential that is the worst on the team.
Mazzulla also emphasized the need for Robinson to improve stamina and play harder and faster at times. After the second‑quarter bucket against the Bucks, Mazzulla simply smiled as he approached Robinson, implying that the coach wanted more of the same.
Robinson’s offensive rebounding has increased in Boston, with 5.7 offensive rebounds per game compared to 5.4 last season in New York. He is grabbing 37.5 percent of his own missed shots, an elite figure in the 98th percentile among centers, but he has struggled to convert those chances into points early in the season.
Celtics guard Paul George told reporters after the win that the team needs Robinson to do a little more and explore a different playstyle. “He’s just going through that – a different playstyle for him. He’ll get there … I have no doubt. He’s got a high IQ. He plays hard,” George said.
The single high‑energy sprint on Wednesday night offers a blueprint for how Robinson can contribute to Boston’s offense and defense as he adjusts to his new role.
Frequently asked questions
How many rebounds did Mitchell Robinson record in the Celtics’ win over the Bucks?
He finished with 10 rebounds, six of them offensive.
What defensive play did Robinson make against Kyle Kuzma?
He pressured Kuzma, forced a Derrick White steal, chased the ball from 88 feet away, bulldozed Kasparas Jakučionis, and set up an easy lay‑up for White.
What did coach Joe Mazzulla say about Robinson's role and performance?
Mazzulla said Robinson could still impact games in a different role that demands more energy than his bench minutes, highlighted the team's scoring differential when Robinson is on the floor versus the bench, and emphasized the need for him to improve stamina and play harder/faster.