Knicks' Mitchell Robinson Addresses Past Embiid Foul Ahead of Playoff Series

Robinson said, 'I don’t [think he’s a dirty player]. I really don’t live in the past.

It is what it is. The Knicks are set to host the 76ers for Game 1 of their second-round playoff series. Two years ago, the Knicks and the 76ers met in the playoffs. In a 2024 playoff game, Embiid committed a flagrant foul by grabbing Robinson’s left leg while he was airborne.

The foul, ruled flagrant, sidelined Robinson for the remainder of the 2024 playoffs due to injury. In 2024, Donte DiVincenzo was Robinson's teammate on the Knicks. DiVincenzo called Embiid's flagrant foul a dirty play.

Robinson commented on Embiid's playing style, stating he does not consider him a dirty player while acknowledging the past incident. 3 rebounds, and 1 block in 14 minutes per game. 5 points per 100 possessions with Robinson on the floor during that series.

Knicks coach Mike Brown emphasized Robinson's role, stating, 'He can be big. Mitch is unique, so no matter who we play, Mitch is extremely important to what we’re trying to do, the way he offensive rebounds, the way he’s a vertical threat in the pick-and-roll game, the way he protects the rim, his versatility guarding. All that stuff is extremely important for us in this series.

Embiid averaged 28 points and 9 rebounds in his recent playoff series. Embiid missed the first three games of the playoffs after undergoing emergency surgery for appendicitis late in the regular season. com reported that Embiid prepared to shoot a free throw during the 76ers’ game against the Celtics on May 2, 2026.

In Game 6 against the Hawks, the Knicks won by 51 points, setting a franchise playoff record. Robinson was ejected in the second quarter of that game after an altercation with Hawks guard Dyson Daniels. The league fined Robinson $50,000, in part for a social media post retweeting a reel of an AI singing rodent with graphic lyrics mocking Daniels.

Robinson received a call from the league office about the post. When asked about the conversation, Robinson said, 'Honestly, I forgot. Despite the ejection and fine, Robinson was not suspended for the altercation with Daniels.

He will be available for Game 1 against the 76ers.