Mike Brown gives props to ‘Mitchell Robinson for Game 2 defense on Victor Wembanyama

The New York Knicks knew how important Mitchell Robinson was to their NBA Finals hopes. He showed why down the stretch of Friday’s 105-104 Game 2 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. After a broken hand sparked questions about his availability for the series, Robinson got two stops on Victor Wembanyama in the final minute to give the Knicks a 2-0 lead.

Mike Brown praised his backup center’s clutch defense following the victory.

“I wouldn’t be right if I did not talk about Mitch… Two big possessions at the end of the game, we put Mitch on [Wemby],” the coach said. “What I’m proud about more than anything else is, Mitch defended him the right away. Wemby’s iconic. If he makes the shot, he makes the shot. You’re not blocking his shot, but you make him work; you lead with your chest, show your hands, embrace those details while trying to guard him, and then box out. It started with Mitch, and it ended with the other four guys boxing out. So just a heck of a job by Mitch guarding the most iconic player in the world on two possessions to possibily win the game. Phenomenal.”

"What I'm proud about more than anything else is, Mitch defended him the right away. Wemby's iconic. If he makes the shot, he makes the shot. You're not blocking his shot, but you make him work."

Mike Brown praises Mitchell Robinson's late defense on Victor Wembanyama: pic.twitter.com/cNmAS8Iuvx

— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) June 6, 2026

Robinson and Karl-Anthony Towns’ strength and physicality have been critical in limiting Wembanyama through two games.

Mike Brown praises Mitchell Robinson following late-game stops on Victor Wembanyama

The Knicks’ big-man duo has prevented Wembanyama from gaining interior position, often leading him to settle for outside shots. That was the case on the final two possessions of Game 2.

The Spurs had the ball with the game tied with 35 seconds remaining. Rather than attacking Robinson on a drive, Wembayama settled for a long, contested two-point jumpshot while going for a two-for-one. The Spurs star missed another jumper on the game’s final possession. Robinson’s 7-foot-4 wingspan increased the difficulty of both shots.

Tie game/one-point game. MVP finalist/alien on the other side. He gets two cracks at it; you've gotta stop both to get out of there with a win.

Ladies and gentlemen: Mitchell Robinson. pic.twitter.com/9ExPmSbfKk

— Dan Devine (@YourManDevine) June 6, 2026

The Knicks are now overwhelming favorites to win the series as they head back to Madison Square Garden up 2-0. No team has ever come back to win the finals after losing the first two games at home.

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