Knicks' Mitchell Robinson back from 50-game absence, scores 8 in win

TORONTO -- New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson returned to the court Wednesday night against the Toronto Raptors, his first action since a left ankle injury in December sidelined him for 50 games.

Robinson checked in with 5:08 remaining in the first quarter of the Knicks' 145-101 win, replacing Isaiah Hartenstein, and scored eight points.

"You never know what to expect but it's a good baseline for us," Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said. "I liked the way he moved. He'll get better and better each day."

Robinson had two rebounds and blocked two shots, swatting away his first less than a minute after checking in.

"At least my defense is kind of there," Robinson said. "I've still got a little bit to work on with that."

New York guard Donte DiVincenzo said he liked what he saw from Robinson.

"It was great just to have him out there, just to have him happy," DiVincenzo said. "Just his spirit, it really is contagious for us, not to mention what he brings on the defensive end."

The 7-footer had not played since he was injured in a Dec. 8 loss at Boston and needed surgery. Despite his lengthy absence, Robinson still leads the NBA with an average of 5.3 offensive rebounds per game.

Robinson had been listed as questionable on New York's injury report but Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau said before the game that the center would play as long as he felt fine after warming up.

The Knicks sit at third in the Eastern Conference standings and have won seven of eight.

Robinson, in his sixth season, finished the night averaging 6.2 points and a career-high 10.3 rebounds in 22 games.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.