Patrick Ewing vs. David Robinson... Who was better at their best? [90's] [bigmen]

[Im Still Ballin]

Here are both of their highest scoring seasons...

1989-1990 Patrick Ewing

Regular season (82 games) (38.6 MPG)


- 28.6 points // 10.9 rebounds // 2.2 assists // 1.0 steals // 4.0 blocks
- 55.1% FG // 59.9 TS%



1993-1994 David Robinson

Regular season (80 games) (40.5 MPG)


- 29.8 points // 10.7 rebounds // 4.8 assists // 1.7 steals // 3.3 blocks
- 50.7% FG // 57.7 TS%

[imdaman99]

Neither could it get it done on their own, both were emasculated by Olajuwon and Robinson won his rings with Duncan who is arguably a top 10 guy. I was too young to remember that season by Ewing but it looks like amazing numbers. Eye test told me Robinson but he would routinely get bullied by non champions. Ewing would get rekt by Jordan and Olajuwon that 1 year, so I'll take him.

[tpols]

gotta go with ewing.

stronger leader and competitor. those old knicks games looks like they were going to war.

[light]

It's easily David Robinson.

[ELITEpower23]

D-Rob without question.

[Phoenix]

Robinson overall but I feel like his game dropped off more in the playoffs relative to Ewing's.

[SouBeachTalents]

Robinson overall but I feel like his game dropped off more in the playoffs relative to Ewing's.
A lot of 90's big men declined in the playoffs, iirc Robinson, Malone & Ewing all had their ppg & efficiency drop off from the regular season to the playoffs. Nothing substantial like Harden, but it's definitely in the minority for that to happen to superstar players

[ShawkFactory]

Robinson was definitely just more talented and better overall.

But if I’m a coach it’s a pretty close as to who’s I’d take. I feel like Ewing had his head on a swivel and Robinson, despite his stature, could be pretty soft at times.

If I have a game 7 that I need to win and I know it’s going to be a war? Probably still Robinson but it’s way closer than their physicality and skill sets would lead you to think.

On a much smaller scale it’s like comparing Reggie Miller with prime Tmac or someone like that. Tmac was clearly another level but who do you trust more.

[Im Still Ballin]

A lot of 90's big men declined in the playoffs, iirc Robinson, Malone & Ewing all had their ppg & efficiency drop off from the regular season to the playoffs. Nothing substantial like Harden, but it's definitely in the minority for that to happen to superstar players

True.

The mark of a GOAT tier player is the ability to maintain scoring and efficiency in the playoffs, or even increase it.

Guys like Shaq, MJ, LeBron, Hakeem, Kareem off the top of my head

Wilt technically declined marginally, but he still had great playoff stats. This suggests his regular season stats were just inflated.

[Phoenix]

A lot of 90's big men declined in the playoffs, iirc Robinson, Malone & Ewing all had their ppg & efficiency drop off from the regular season to the playoffs. Nothing substantial like Harden, but it's definitely in the minority for that to happen to superstar players

Yeah, I looked up both their playoff stats. Both their field goal percentages often dropped off along with PPG dips from the regular season. Robinson peaked higher though so he had further to drop. Case in point, in 94 he averaged 29.8ppg on 58% TS. In the playoffs, 20ppg on 47% TS. That's a pretty jarring drop-off, and this is peak Robinson in question.

[Im Still Ballin]

Yeah, I looked up both their playoff stats. Both their field goal percentages often dropped off along with PPG dips from the regular season. Robinson peaked higher though so he had further to drop. Case in point, in 94 he averaged 29.8ppg on 58% TS. In the playoffs, 20ppg on 47% TS. That's a pretty jarring drop-off, and this is peak Robinson in question.

Check Ewing's 89-90 playoffs -- he pretty much maintains his regular season output.

[Phoenix]

Check Ewing's 89-90 playoffs -- he pretty much maintains his regular season output.

I'm not saying it happened every year. 90 is peak/prime Ewing.

[Whoah10115]

Two of the greatest players ever. Two of my favorites, with Ewing being my favorite.

But at his best Robinson is a better player than Tim Duncan, and soft is inaccurate.

[Roundball_Rock]

Robinson easily. Robinson won MVP; Ewing never finished higher than 4th as a comparison.


A lot of 90's big men declined in the playoffs, iirc Robinson, Malone & Ewing all had their ppg & efficiency drop off from the regular season to the playoffs. Nothing substantial like Harden, but it's definitely in the minority for that to happen to superstar players

Defenses are tougher in the playoffs so I bet almost every player's efficiency drops in the playoffs. Here is the data for Ewing, Robinson, and Malone.

The reason Robinson has the reputation he does is because of the declines he had in his peak, when the Spurs had their best chance to win with him as their #1. Especially in 94', as Phoenix mentioned. That was a mind boggling decline.

Ewing 1992-1999

RS: 23/11/2
PO: 22/11/2
RS TS: 54.4%
PO TS: 51.2%

So Ewing went down 3.2% and down from 23.0 PPG to 20.9 PPG. So he declined 2.1 PPG.

These were the years the Knicks were relevant.

Robinson 1990-1999

RS: 24/12/3
PO: 22/12/3
RS TS: 58.9%
PO TS: 55.1%

His TS % fell almost 4 full points (3.8%). His PPG went from 24.4 to 21.7 ppg--down almost 3 full points.

Malone 1989-1998

RS: 28/11/4
PO: 27/12/3
RS TS: 59.4%
PO TS: 53.3%

-6.1% in TS. 27.6 PPG in the RS to 27.2 PPG in the playoffs. His scoring stayed similar--but it took much higher volume to do it with his 6.1% decline in TS %.


Check Ewing's 89-90 playoffs -- he pretty much maintains his regular season output.

Ewing was inconsistent. He didn't show up in a lot of the major series he was in, most famously 18.9 PPG on 36% (as a center!) in the 94' finals.

[RRR3]

A lot of 90's big men declined in the playoffs, iirc Robinson, Malone & Ewing all had their ppg & efficiency drop off from the regular season to the playoffs. Nothing substantial like Harden, but it's definitely in the minority for that to happen to superstar players
What?

Harden regular season: 25.1 PPG on 61.0% TS
Harden playoffs: 22.9 PPG on 57.9% TS


D-Rob regular season: 21.1 PPG on 58.3% TS
D-Rob playoffs: 18.1 PPG on 54.7% TS

Ewing regular season: 21.0 PPG on 55.3% TS
Ewing playoffs: 20.2 ppg on 51.7% TS

Malone regular season: 25.0 PPG on 57.7% TS
Malone playoffs: 24.7 PPG on 52.6% TS


They all fell of similarly to Harden. Malone’s efficiency tanked the worst.

[RRR3]

Robinson easily. Robinson won MVP; Ewing never finished higher than 4th as a comparison.



Defenses are tougher in the playoffs so I bet almost every player's efficiency drops in the playoffs. Here is the data for Ewing, Robinson, and Malone.

The reason Robinson has the reputation he does is because of the declines he had in his peak, when the Spurs had their best chance to win with him as their #1. Especially in 94', as Phoenix mentioned. That was a mind boggling decline.

Ewing 1992-1999

RS: 23/11/2
PO: 22/11/2
RS TS: 54.4%
PO TS: 51.2%

So Ewing went down 3.2% and down from 23.0 PPG to 20.9 PPG. So he declined 2.1 PPG.

These were the years the Knicks were relevant.

Robinson 1990-1999

RS: 24/12/3
PO: 22/12/3
RS TS: 58.9%
PO TS: 55.1%

His TS % fell almost 4 full points (3.8%). His PPG went from 24.4 to 21.7 ppg--down almost 3 full points.

Malone 1989-1998

RS: 28/11/4
PO: 27/12/3
RS TS: 59.4%
PO TS: 53.3%

-6.1% in TS. 27.6 PPG in the RS to 27.2 PPG in the playoffs. His scoring stayed similar--but it took much higher volume to do it with his 6.1% decline in TS %.



Ewing was inconsistent. He didn't show up in a lot of the major series he was in, most famously 18.9 PPG on 36% (as a center!) in the 94' finals.
Yikes.

[Roundball_Rock]

They all fell of similarly to Harden. Malone’s efficiency tanked the worst.

Yet Harden is invariably called a choker when his name comes up but that isn't applied to Malone or Ewing (Robinson gets some of it).

In the thread that caused me to look up those numbers it was argued* a 2% decline in TS was "choking." What does that make Robinson, Ewing, Malone then?

*The caveat is the argument disappeared when the numbers for other players showed up. :lol

[Im Still Ballin]

Harden's playoff stats have gotten better in recent years.

His first few runs in Houston I believe were questionable... Particularly the 2014 one.

[Roundball_Rock]

Harden's playoff stats have gotten better in recent years.

His first few runs in Houston I believe were questionable... Particularly the 2014 one.

Yes, as have his performances in big games. So he has time to change his reputation.

[Round Mound]

Robinson was more verstaile and a better all around player but Ewing was tougher. Ewing was a better far range and outside shooter and stronger but he had bad knees so he did not last as long. Robison the better passer, rim protector, 1 on 1 slasher, finisher, coast to coast player etc. Robinson lacked heart compared to Ewing. Ewing was was a better post player.

[Reggie43]

Ewing led his own team farther in the playoffs so I pick him despite David Robinson being obviously more talented and athletic. Ewing being the mentally stronger player is a huge factor for me espeacially if you compare it to Robinsons demeanor and personality.

[ELITEpower23]

Robinson easily. Robinson won MVP; Ewing never finished higher than 4th as a comparison.



Defenses are tougher in the playoffs so I bet almost every player's efficiency drops in the playoffs. Here is the data for Ewing, Robinson, and Malone.

The reason Robinson has the reputation he does is because of the declines he had in his peak, when the Spurs had their best chance to win with him as their #1. Especially in 94', as Phoenix mentioned. That was a mind boggling decline.

Ewing 1992-1999

RS: 23/11/2
PO: 22/11/2
RS TS: 54.4%
PO TS: 51.2%

So Ewing went down 3.2% and down from 23.0 PPG to 20.9 PPG. So he declined 2.1 PPG.

These were the years the Knicks were relevant.

Robinson 1990-1999

RS: 24/12/3
PO: 22/12/3
RS TS: 58.9%
PO TS: 55.1%

His TS % fell almost 4 full points (3.8%). His PPG went from 24.4 to 21.7 ppg--down almost 3 full points.

Malone 1989-1998

RS: 28/11/4
PO: 27/12/3
RS TS: 59.4%
PO TS: 53.3%

-6.1% in TS. 27.6 PPG in the RS to 27.2 PPG in the playoffs. His scoring stayed similar--but it took much higher volume to do it with his 6.1% decline in TS %.



Ewing was inconsistent. He didn't show up in a lot of the major series he was in, most famously 18.9 PPG on 36% (as a center!) in the 94' finals.

DRob wins

[Axe]

Ewing led his own team farther in the playoffs so I pick him despite David Robinson being obviously more talented and athletic. Ewing being the mentally stronger player is a huge factor for me espeacially if you compare it to Robinsons demeanor and personality.
Ewing is a choker

[RRR3]

For all the “Ewing is mentally tougher” his efficiency in the playoffs dropped a ton just like D-Rob. And considering how D-Rob clearly played at a higher level to begin with, I’m not sure this is an argument. DRob was the one winning MVP and DPOY not Ewing.

[Reggie43]

Ewing is a choker

Not saying he wasnt

[Reggie43]

With all those injuries yet he still leads his team to the finals. Imagine what he could have done if he was healthy to begin with.

[SouBeachTalents]

Yet Harden is invariably called a choker when his name comes up but that isn't applied to Malone or Ewing (Robinson gets some of it).

In the thread that caused me to look up those numbers it was argued* a 2% decline in TS was "choking." What does that make Robinson, Ewing, Malone then?

*The caveat is the argument disappeared when the numbers for other players showed up. :lol
Nah, Ewing & especially Malone get that label too. Honestly, those four probably make up the Mount Rushmore of worst playoff performers, although I'm sure some will lobby for Westbrook after his last couple of runs in OKC, or (unfairly imo) McGrady & CP3

[Axe]

With all those injuries yet he still leads his team to the finals. Imagine what he could have done if he was healthy to begin with.
Touche.

[BigShotBob]

David Robinson.

Next question.

[Whoah10115]

The Knicks didn't exactly have a great offensive group...ever.

[ELITEpower23]

DRob top 30 ish, Ewing top 50 ish

[Lion's pride]

Ewing often was a much better 1st option on offense, especially in the half court. But in Todays game I like DR more..

[kuniva_dAMiGhTy]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S36g_AZX84M

Not a big fan of the music, but ya, its The Admiral.

[Roundball_Rock]

For all the “Ewing is mentally tougher” his efficiency in the playoffs dropped a ton just like D-Rob. And considering how D-Rob clearly played at a higher level to begin with, I’m not sure this is an argument. DRob was the one winning MVP and DPOY not Ewing.

One played in New York and the other in San Antonio. That seems to be driving some of the difference in perceptions 20+ years later.


Nah, Ewing & especially Malone get that label too.

I don't see that said on ISH but then again I am in a lot of threads with MJ stans and they gas every player who played against MJ. :lol

The two players aren't really close. Robinson won a MVP and was runner-up twice. He also had a pair of 3rd place finishes. Ewing's career high was 4th.

All-NBA isn't close either. Ewing was 1st team once; Robinson 4 times.

[imdaman99]

no kidding!couldnt even beat the rockets in 94!

How is that choking? It would be choking if he lost to a much worse team. Rockets were a hair better than the Knicks that year and Olajuwon was the best player in the NBA. He embarrassed Robinson much worse in the conference finals, and that was supposedly Robinson's best year.

[AussieSteve]

Ewing peaked while Magic, Jordan, Barkley and Hakeem were all close to their peaks. And Bird was still there abouts... at least reputation wise. By the mid 90s Ewing wasn't the same player he was in 1990.

DRob peaked while MJ was out of the league, Bird and Magic were gone and Barkley was done playing at an ATG level. It was only Hakeem in terms of ATG players in their primes.

Its a hard comparison, because DRob peaked during a weaker period. When he won MVP, 22yo Shaq was runner up.

Having said that, I think its DRob. He had a little more to his game on both ends. But it's close.

[Roundball_Rock]

How is that choking? It would be choking if he lost to a much worse team. Rockets were a hair better than the Knicks that year and Olajuwon was the best player in the NBA. He embarrassed Robinson much worse in the conference finals, and that was supposedly Robinson's best year.

Ewing scored 18.9 PPG on 36% (if this isn't choking then nothing is); Robinson was something like 24 PPG on 44-45%. Both struggled but Ewing was a massive choke. 36% for a post player?

[thefatmiral]

I will pick David robinson. I'm basing this on head to head matchups I've seen. It seemed robinson just had the edge on him to get the best of it. I also think robinson had the tougher competition in the west , excluding the bulls, that he handled better.

[Reggie43]

Ewing scored 18.9 PPG on 36% (if this isn't choking then nothing is); Robinson was something like 24 PPG on 44-45%. Both struggled but Ewing was a massive choke. 36% for a post player?

vs Olajuwon

Ewing gave up 26.9 ppg 50% 9.1rbs 3.6ast 1.6spg 3.9bpg lost in 7 games

Robinson gave up 35.3ppg 56% 12.5rbs 5ast 1.3spg 4.2bpg lost in 6 games

Who got outplayed more based on these numbers and their own performance?

[Overdrive]

Ewing led his own team farther in the playoffs so I pick him despite David Robinson being obviously more talented and athletic. Ewing being the mentally stronger player is a huge factor for me espeacially if you compare it to Robinsons demeanor and personality.

What does this even mean when both guys lost to the same guy 1 year apart? Robinson ran into Olajuwon in an earlier round, because the Spurs played in the West. If the '94 Knicks played in the West they wouldn't have made the finals either.


vs Olajuwon

Ewing gave up 26.9 ppg 50% 9.1rbs 3.6ast 1.6spg 3.9bpg lost in 7 games

Robinson gave up 35.3ppg 56% 12.5rbs 5ast 1.3spg 4.2bpg lost in 6 games

Who got outplayed more based on these numbers and their own performance?

The Spurs couldn't gang up on Olajuwon only like the year prior.

[Axe]

david was mr , robinson he was better,he had his own neighborhood,mr. Robinsons neigh bor hood
:lol

[Reggie43]

What does this even mean when both guys lost to the same guy 1 year apart? Robinson ran into Olajuwon in an earlier round, because the Spurs played in the West.


It means Ewing led his team farther in the playoffs more times than David could even outside that finals stint.


If the '94 Knicks played in the West they wouldn't have made the finals either.


Spurs in 95 played the 41 win Nuggets, 48 win Lakers and 47 win Rockets and lost with the best record in the league (62 wins) and its league Mvp.

Knicks in 94 played the Nets 45 wins, Bulls 55 wins, Pacers 47 wins and a much better Rockets team in the Finals (58 wins)

Pretty decent chance the 94 Knicks make the Finals in place of the Spurs in 95.

[Roundball_Rock]

Ewing led his own team farther in the playoffs

This is lazy analysis but all too common these days among basketball fans. Basketball is a team sport. Put Robinson on the Knicks and Ewing on the Spurs and it is obvious which team would improve and which team would get worse.

Robinson had his share of chokes but so did Ewing. There are several reasons why the Knicks never won but Ewing's inability to consistently step up in big series and big games was one of them.


Ewing being the mentally stronger player is a huge factor for me

Has a superstar center ever played worse in a NBA finals than Ewing did in 94'?

[Reggie43]

Has a superstar center ever played worse in a NBA finals than Ewing did in 94'?

Has a superstar center ever been outplayed/dominated as bad as Robinson in his matchup in the Playoffs against Olajuwon in 95?

Don't really care about this matchup that much and actually like Robinson's game better. Me picking Ewing is not a crime and vice versa because they are both great centers.

[tpols]

This is lazy analysis but all too common these days among basketball fans. Basketball is a team sport. Put Robinson on the Knicks and Ewing on the Spurs and it is obvious which team would improve and which team would get worse.

Robinson had his share of chokes but so did Ewing. There are several reasons why the Knicks never won but Ewing's inability to consistently step up in big series and big games was one of them.



Has a superstar center ever played worse in a NBA finals than Ewing did in 94'?

Nah Robinson couldnt bring the toughness and intensity angle like ewing did which defined those 90s knicks teams.

D-Rob may be more talented, but he's way more finesse and there's no way he's molding them how they became, nor winning with john starks mr. 2-18.

[Roundball_Rock]

The Spurs sucked before Robinson, immediately turned into contenders with him. When he got hurt, they sucked again. There are few players in NBA history who can match the type of team impact Robinson had. Ewing is not one of them.


Has a superstar center ever been outplayed/dominated as bad as Robinson in his matchup in the Playoffs against Olajuwon in 95?

Yes--Ewing 94' for one.

Another thing about the two players is Ewing having a 22 PPG series would be fine but if Robinson did the same it would be (rightly) considered a disappointment. Different level of players.

Ewing against the Bulls for example:

1991: 17/10/2 40%
1992: 22/11/2 49%
1993: 26/11/3 53%
1994: 23/12/3 53%

Ewing in the ECF (past his prime in 99' and got hurt):

1993: 26/11/3 53%
1994: 22/11/3 46%

Ewing against Indiana in the 95' ECSF: 19/9/3 50%.

Robinson would get crucified for posting these numbers in his prime.

[Reggie43]

Ewing against Olajuwon 94 finals lost in 7 games

-14%fg -8ppg +3.3rebs -1.9ast -.3spg +.4bpg

David against Olajuwon 95 playoffs lost in 6 games

-11%fg -11.5ppg -1.2rbs -2.3ast +.2spg -2bpg

*compared to Hakeem's numbers

Who got dominated more?

[ELITEpower23]

Ewing against Olajuwon 94 finals lost in 7 games

-14%fg -8ppg +3.3rebs -1.9ast -.3spg +.4bpg

David against Olajuwon 95 playoffs lost in 6 games

-11%fg -11.5ppg -1.2rbs -2.3ast +.2spg -2bpg

*compared to Hakeem's numbers

Who got dominated more?

Why did you post the #s this way?

[Whoah10115]

One thing in Robinson's favor is less to do with how he played and more to do with Hakeem's performance. The Rockets were a better team in 95, in the playoffs. That's because of Drexler and because Hakeem had an all-time run.

[Axe]

It means Ewing led his team farther in the playoffs more times than David could even outside that finals stint.



Spurs in 95 played the 41 win Nuggets, 48 win Lakers and 47 win Rockets and lost with the best record in the league (62 wins) and its league Mvp.

Knicks in 94 played the Nets 45 wins, Bulls 55 wins, Pacers 47 wins and a much better Rockets team in the Finals (58 wins)

Pretty decent chance the 94 Knicks make the Finals in place of the Spurs in 95.
The spurs had rodman in that roster but they still came up short of having a finals appearance.