SALT LAKE CITY — Mitchell Robinson is making progress with his sprained right knee, although a timetable for his return still remains unclear.
The Knicks’ shot-blocking machine last appeared in a game on Nov. 4 against the 76ers, but he has begun to do some things in practice without contact.
“He’s getting better. Day-to-day. He’s making good progress though so we’re encouraged by that,” coach Tom Thibodeau said on Tuesday night before the Knicks rallied to knock off the Jazz, 118-111, at Vivint Arena to start a daunting five-game road trip.
The Knicks’ defense had struggled without Robinson, going 2-3 and getting shredded by the Celtics (133 points), Nets (112) and Thunder (145). Not having their defensive anchor has obviously not helped.
But they were better on the defensive end against the Jazz, and Jericho Sims played a major role. He had 11 points and 13 rebounds in 25 impactful minutes off the bench, and was extremely active. He keyed a 15-4 in the first half when it looked like the Knicks were headed to a double-digit deficit.
“Big minutes out of Jericho,” Thibodeau said. “The lift that Jericho gave us, his activity, the pressure on the rim, the rebounding, that sort of stabilized us. It was a little rough for a stretch there.”
The Knicks won’t have to deal with former MVP Nikola Jokic Wednesday in Denver. The Nuggets star entered COVID-19 health and safety protocols and will be out.
Obi Toppin had a season-high four assists and was a team-best plus-23 in 18 minutes off the bench. … Cam Reddish scored 19 points and has scored in double figures in back-to-back games for the first time as a Knick. … Immanuel Quickley’s four assists were a career-high. … Former Knicks coach David Fizdale is an assistant general manager for the Jazz and was in attendance.