Kemba Walker made it back for the Sixers’ game Monday in Philly, but starting center Mitchell Robinson did not. And Nerlens Noel didn’t make it through the game, leaving in the second quarter with an injured knee, leaving the Knicks in a potential center lurch.
Walker sat out Sunday’s first leg of the back-to-back to rest and Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau had not guaranteed the Bronx native would make it back for the Sixers contest.
But he did and though he was held to just eight points, he came through late with a big floater in which he was fouled, then stole the ball in the backcourt. Walker also finished with five assists.
Walker said afterward there’ll be more rest nights, though he wouldn’t go as far as saying he’s not going to play any full back-to-backs.
“It’s a long year,” Walker said. “I’m not gonna play every game. I feel great. It worked out. I want to try to stay as healthy as I can. The healthiest guys win games. It was definitely my call.”
Walker didn’t play back-to-backs in Boston last season and left that issue up in the air when he signed with the Knicks.
Walker has now scored single-digits in three straight contests after a 40-game regular-season streak of double figures.
Whether his arthritic left knee was barking, Thibdoeau didn’t say. But after conferencing with the medical staff Monday morning, Walker was given the green light.
Meanwhile the Knicks’ center situation has taken a bizarre turn. Robinson, who had started the first 10 games after missing preseason, didn’t play because of fatigue and a hip flexor.
At times, Robinson looked a step slow Sunday versus the Cavaliers but still registered five blocks in 16 minutes, going 3-for-3 from the field. However, Cavs center Jarrett Allen and rookie power forward Evan Mobley had their way inside. Robinson was a minus-11.
Then Noel, after playing well as a starter Monday, was removed from the contest with a sore knee after Danny Green fell into it. Noel was a game-time decision because of a sore back, but his knee/hamstring had cost him the missed time.
Thibodeau started the second half with Taj Gibson and was sending in rookie Jericho Sims but pulled him back when the coach saw Andre Drummond come out of the game.
The Sixers went small-ball and so did Thibodeau, using Obi Toppin at center with RJ Barrett at power forward and Alec Burks at small forward. It’s the smallest alignment the Knicks have gone with in Thibodeau’s reign.
With the Bucks up Wednesday, Thibodeau may try it again.
The Knicks outrebounded the Sixers 55-47 despite Drummond’s 25. … Immanuel Quickley had his third straight good game, finishing with 10 points (3 of 4 from 3).
