Knicks’ two-center lineup drawing praise from Tom Thibodeau

Mitchell Robinson served as an impactful big body and rim protector off the bench for the Knicks in the playoffs last spring before suffering a season-ending ankle injury late in the first round against the 76ers.

It cost the former starting center more than four months to start the 2024-25 campaign after undergoing surgery in May, but the 7-foot Robinson’s physical fitness contributions figure to be needed again in the Knicks’ upcoming series against the Pistons, and their feisty and physical bigs Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart.

The 27-year-old Robinson logged 17.1 minutes per game in 17 appearances following his latest injury absence.

He and imported starting center Karl-Anthony Towns played 47 minutes alongside each other in a two-big alignment with some success, outscoring opponents by 9.2 points per 100 possessions.

Duren and Stewart only played eight minutes together all season for Detroit.

“It’s a small sample size. But we’ve had some good minutes with them, particularly down the stretch here as Mitch has been able to get more rhythm. It’s been good,” Tom Thibodeau said after Tuesday’s practice. “It depends, a lot of it depends on who they have on the floor, but I like it a lot.”

Much of the Knicks’ defensive focus will be on containing All-Star point guard Cade Cunningham, but veteran gunner Malik Beasley also connected on a career-best 41.6 percent this season from 3-point land, including seven made treys and 23 points Dec. 7 against the Knicks.

“He’s always been able to shoot. I’ve seen it firsthand,” said Towns, a former teammate of Beasley with the Timberwolves. “When he was with us in Minnesota, I believe he broke the 3-point scoring record and Anthony [Edwards] just broke it now.

“I’ve always known he’s a tremendous shooter, one of the best shooters this league has to offer. And the way he shoots, the different types of 3s he shoots, just proves his talent level.

“He’s a tough guard obviously. We have someone I know well, have to definitely find a way to limit his 3s.”