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[Saba Sports News] New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson fired back at critics on Sunday after enduring a wave of online mockery during the team’s playoff series against the Boston Celtics.
Robinson has become a frequent target for ridicule due to his struggles at the free throw line, going just 7-of-23 (30.4%) through the first three games of the Eastern Conference semifinals.
Some of his misses — including an airball in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden — have gone viral, prompting jokes and memes across social media. Robinson was visibly frustrated after the airball, burying his face in his hands in embarrassment.
During the off day between Games 3 and 4, Robinson responded to the criticism in an Instagram video, brushing off the noise while making it clear what truly matters to him.
“I know y’all commenting and doing all the stupid stuff, thinking that I really care,” Robinson said. “I really don’t. Y’all know what I care about: this motherf—er (his truck), playing basketball, and my daughter. All the other stuff, I really don’t care for… Been here seven years. Y’all should know me by now. … Anyway, Happy Mother’s Day. Y’all enjoy yourselves.”
Despite playing off the bench, Robinson has attempted more free throws than any other player in the Knicks-Celtics series so far. The Celtics repeatedly sent him to the line in Game 3, where he finished 4-of-12 in New York’s 115-93 loss.
Robinson’s defiant message makes clear he’s tuning out the criticism — and staying focused on what he values most.