The New York Knicks won their second-straight game after taking down the Indiana Pacers 101-92 Friday night and while Jalen Brunson led the way when it came down to raw scoring with 29 points while shooting 11-25 from the field, but there was a different Knick that can be considered the hero of the game. 

Mitchell Robinson exploded for a career-high 22 rebounds Friday night while adding 12 points, two steals and two blocks. With Karl-Anthony Towns out due to injury, Robinson stepped up as the starting center and he certainly didn't disappoint. 

The eight-season Knicks veteran smashed his season minutes average by playing 31 minutes Friday night and while his 22 rebounds speak for themselves, his defensive presence and offensive connections truly stood out. 

In his postgame interview, Robinson was an even mix of joyous and steadfast. When asked about his high usage in the game, he joked that he was worn out, but followed up just as quickly by saying he was working on getting his conditioning up so that he can be relied on even more. 

Robinson's gratitude for the opportunity to start at the five spot shone through in the way he spoke and he was just as determined to keep going as he was grateful to have initial shot. 

Robinson had a particularly special connection with OG Anunoby, who scored 25 points of his own in the big win. The pair connected on a few show-stopping alley-oop dunks in the game and to Robinson, his offensive production is sign that his had work behind the scenes is not only being recognized, but paying off in a big way.

"They started trusting me a little bit more each every game. They've seen me putting in the work in the gym, so the trust is getting there," Robinson said (via Knicks on MSGN). 

Filling the void that Towns leaves is a tall task for any player, but Robinson didn't flinch at the high stakes. He's not a newcomer to the league by any means, but Robinson hasn't always had a chance in the spotlight to show his talents, especially now with Towns taking the lead at that position for the Knicks. 

Now that Robinson has stepped up, he's made his impact undeniable and all of that work that he did in the dark has now shown up in the light. Even when Towns comes back to the court, Robinson has carved a much larger role, even in support, than he had before.