Mitchell Robinson comes through for Knicks off the bench in Game 1: ‘Helps inspire the team’

The Knicks didn’t have Mitchell Robinson for the final six games of last year’s postseason. 

On Saturday night, he showed his value. 

The 7-footer came off the bench to notch six points, six rebounds, two blocks and a steal in 18 quality minutes as the Knicks rallied for a 123-112, Game 1 victory over the Pistons at the Garden. 

Coach Tom Thibodeau used Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns together at one point in the first half, and it worked well. 

“The size, I think, is good,” Thibodeau said. “I thought Mitch during that stretch made some really good defensive plays, in the fourth, too. The steal that he had, the game was pretty tight, and that was a big play. He makes plays like that. That helps inspire the team, ignite the team. Those are great hustle plays, so defensively, I think he was very good.” 

Coming off left ankle surgery, Robinson appeared in just 17 regular-season games.

But nobody will remember that if he can produce like he did Saturday. 

The Knicks were truly at full strength as the playoffs got underway. 

Rookie Ariel Hukporti — whom the Knicks drafted in the second round with the No. 58 pick last year — was available for Game 1.

It was the first time Hukporti was available since Feb. 26 after undergoing surgery to repair a torn meniscus in his left knee.

He suffered the injury during his first and only career start — a 110-105 win over the 76ers.

He didn’t appear in the series-opening victory over the Pistons. 

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The 7-footer played sparingly prior to the injury, but at times served as a useful and physical big body off the bench.

That could come in handy against a tough Pistons team if Towns, Robinson or Precious Achiuwa need a break or get into foul trouble.

Hukporti played in 25 games in the regular season, averaging 1.9 points and two rebounds per game. 

“It’s just been a gradual buildup, so he just got cleared,” Thibodeau said. 

In warmups, Josh Hart was sporting a Jazz Chisholm Jr. Yankees basketball jersey. It will be given out to Yankees fans on May 2.

Hart is a big Yankees fan.

He is the great-nephew of Yankees legend Elston Howard, the first African-American player in Yankees history and a 12-time All-Star.