Knicks x-factor Mitchell Robinson draws ECF final motivation from words of high school coach’s wife in special tribute

New York Knicks big man Mitchell Robinson shared a heatwarming tribute to Dawn Stockton, the late wife of his high school coach, Butch Stockton, before Game 1 of the Eastern Conference finals.

On an Instagram post on Monday, Robinson shared a photo with Stockton in what seemed to be the latter’s hospital bed. Stockton, whom the Knicks’ big man called “mama,” passed away in September 2023 due to cancer.

“As we making history in this playoffs push. Not a day goes by when I don’t think about you. I know you up there watching me on the big stage defending the city of NEW YORK like you told me in high school ‘give em hell 🤠.’

“Mama, thank you for everything, watching over me, getting me healthy to pursue this dream I’ve been chasing my whole life. I love and miss you.”

ESPNW shared a screenshot of Robinson’s post on Instagram on Wednesday.

Robinson played for Stockton at Chalmette High School in New Orleans. The player-coach bond extended beyond their time together in Louisiana.

When Stockton’s wife got sick, Robinson reportedly visited whenever he could. And when Dawn passed, Robinson came up with the idea of having Butch live with him in New York as the coach grieved.

In a November 2023 article by Sports Illustrated’s Madison Williams, Stockton said:

“He said ‘coach, no reason to stay down here in Louisiana. Come to New York with me and enjoy yourself and get your mind back straight because you know how much you loved your wife.’”

The Knicks drafted Mitchell Robinson with the 36th pick in 2018.

Pacers coach Rick Carlisle comments on Mitchell Robinson’s impact on the Knicks’ run

Mitchell Robinson was crucial to the New York Knicks’ return to the Eastern Conference finals after 25 years. Before Game 1 on Wednesday, Indiana Pacers coach Rick Carlisle was asked about the 7-foot center’s impact.

“Robinson’s been very very impactful for them since he’s been back,” Carlisle said. “I mean, he was plus-40 something in the Boston series. He creates possessions. He made free throws in the latter part of that series.

“And defensively, he gives them a lot of versatility. His ability to switch on to smaller players is special for a guy his size. So, he’s a major factor, a guy we’ve been talking about a lot.”

Mitchell Robinson was key to the Knicks’ second-round series against the defending champion Boston Celtics. He shot just 45% from the free-throw line, but hit seven of his last eight free throws as New York closed the series in six games.

New York will host Games 1 and 2 of the conference finals on Wednesday and Friday. The best-of-seven series shifts to Indiana for Games 3 and 4 on Sunday and Tuesday.

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Kim is an editor for US Sports and an NBA and WNBA analyst at Sportskeeda with a decade of multi-industry experience. He has a bachelor’s degree in finance and is currently a candidate for a master’s degree in business administration.

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Edited by Kim Daniel Rubinos