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After not receiving even a minute of court time since December 1, New York Knicks guard Nate Robinson returned to action in dramatic fashion Friday, scoring 41 points in a 112-108 overtime road win against the Atlanta Hawks.
Entering the game in the first quarter, Robinson quickly became hot and never cooled off. He played over 38 minutes and shot 18-of-24 (3-of-5 three-pointers) for 41 points, six rebounds and eight assists (four turnovers).
Also for the Knicks, Wilson Chandler had 24 points and played big with 17 rebounds, plus four assists. Danilo Gallinari and Al Harrington (just 5-of-16) each scored 13 points. David Lee (just 4-of-14) had a quiet night with 11 points and only seven rebounds.
For the Hawks, Joe Johnson (just 12-of-30) had 28 points, eight rebounds, five assists and two steals. Josh Smith had 24 points and 10 rebounds, with two blocks. Al Horford dominated the middle, shooting 11-of-14 for 22 points and 19 rebounds.
With a season average of 10.9 points and 3.2 assists in 22.0 minutes coming into this game, Robinson has been healthy, but coach D’Antoni simply didn’t want to use him.
Robinson was recently fined by the NBA for comments his agent made, who wanted the player traded if Nate wasn’t going to be used on the court. The penalty is being appealed.
Nate’s always been able to score. The problem D’Antoni has had with him is Nate’s defense and general decision-making on the court.
This was quite a statement in his return.
Speaking to MSG network after the game, Robinson thanked God, Allan Houston and Malik Rose for keeping him ready. He also shouted out Twitter and various friends and family.
“I’m here to stay. I want to play. I want to help this team win. Everything is in the past. 2010, it’s a fresh start,” said Robinson.
HAPPY NEW YEAR BABY!
Looks like D’Antoni has some egg on his face. Or did Nate just come all over that ugly mug?
Even Larry brown wouldn’t have been stupid enough to sit a talent like Nate. The knicks don’t need lebron they need a coach with a brain.
You guys are giving the coach a hard time over this, but it seems to me, he’s proven to be an excellent coach. When was the last time Nate had a game like that?
Mike D’Antoni is a good coach. But I’d rather have him as an assistant (almost like an offensive coordinator), he hasn’t done well in playoffs, and has had of past of having problems with players… not a good thing. He’s too offensive minded for my liking. It’s the coaches that focus on great defense with efficient offense that build championship basketball, like Doc Rivers.
D’Antoni is just too inconsistent with how he plays people. You’ve got a terrific offensive weapon in Robinson, and you bench him? He could find a way to use Robinson, Duhon, Chandler, and Hughes. Start Duhon and either Chandler or Robinson, have them on a good rotation or see who’s having a better night. And have Hughes finish out quarters and let Duhon rest, and maybe finish out the game so you have a veteran out on the floor and for free-throw shooting or another scoring option, who’s been averaging more points than Duhon in less minutes.
New York has the talent, but their record hasn’t shown it. They need better managing and maybe think about considering a different coach if they continue down this path… or keep luring over LeBron. Because let’s face it, despite what most think, I believe New York has much more talent than Cleveland does w/o LeBron.
I agree Kel. I notice he only plays about 8 players a game, isn’t that the minimum players required for a game? NY may not be deep enough for a 12 man rotation, but he could surely do at least a 10 man rotation. Sitting a guy like Nate Robinson is a collosal waste of talent. I would even argue that Hughes should get the start over Duhon. Duhon is good, but I think for now Hughes might be better. Use him until he is no longer the better choice. At least let him be a back up for Duhon. I think Nate should start over Chandler for now. At least split their minutes.