NEW YORK _ As Aaron Gordon drove along the baseline in the opening minute of the second quarter Tuesday night, Mitchell Robinson gave chase. Jumping on one side of the rim and swinging his right arm, Robinson came up empty as Gordon continued for a reverse layup attempt. Robinson threw out his left arm, trying to block the shot on that side, too.
He didn't get the block on that drive, being assessed a foul, but it wasn't for a lack of trying. And that has become the common theme for the Knicks' 7-1 rookie as he has made his way around the league by trying _ and often succeeding _ to block anything he can get near.
He became the first Knicks rookie since blocks were officially tracked in 1973-74 to block at least five shots in consecutive games, according to Elias Sports. It is not just protecting the rim, but also flying at shooters on the perimeter. Unlike too many nights this season, this time it was enough to spur a Knicks win as they defeated the Orlando Magic, 108-103, at Madison Square Garden.
