The Boston Celtics’ 114-93 preseason win over the Charlotte Hornets served up something truly glorious, and it only took one game for fans to see it: Mitchell Robinson running the pick and roll with Jayson Tatum. This isn’t just hype, it’s the real deal, exactly what everyone hoped for when the Celtics brought Robinson over in July. After eight seasons as an integral rim protector with the Knicks, even helping them win a championship in 2026, Robinson’s potential alongside Tatum felt like a match made in heaven. Now, we’ve got proof.
The New Lob to Rob Is HERE
Robinson didn’t waste any time showing what he brings to the table. He finished the game with 12 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks, shooting a perfect 5-5 from the field. He was dominating in the paint right from the jump, scoring Boston’s first 6 points of the game. It was just like the old days with former Celtics center Robert Williams, but now we’ve got a new age “Lob to Rob,” and it’s a huge factor. The chemistry with Tatum was on full display from their very first possession together. Tatum drove to the lane so easily, finding Robinson who slipped backdoor for a monstrous slam. On the very next possession, Robinson set a pick for Tatum, who then received a pass from Paul George at the top of the key. A spinning Tatum found Robinson underneath the basket for another easy layup. These guys are clicking already!
A New Dimension for the Celtics Offense
Tatum and Robinson linked up again in the third quarter in a move that completely fooled the Hornets. Tatum got the ball in the midrange, and Charlotte’s defense probably assumed he was going to take a shot. But they clearly didn’t realize Tatum had a seven-foot behemoth rolling to the basket behind him for another thunderous slam. Four out of Mitchell Robinson’s five baskets in that game came from the alley-oop, which is just insane for a preseason debut. Having an established center like Robinson, who can be a big body in the paint, grab offensive boards, and roll to the rim like that, gives the Celtics offense a whole new dimension they didn’t have before. Opposing teams are going to have to defend Boston beyond the arc, but now they’ve got a massive big man down low who can absolutely hurt them at the rim. It’s been a joy to watch this unfold. Postgame, Abby Chin from NBC Sports Boston asked Robinson about his two-man game with Tatum, and he sounded hyped, saying, “I’ve never seen those from him before when we were playing against him. To be his teammate and he can throw them, I think we’re going to build a great connection.” The Celtics also rolled out a double big lineup with Robinson, and you know that’s only going to open up even more possibilities.
This is just the start for these two, and if this preseason game is any indication, opponents are going to have their hands full trying to stop this new, multifaceted Celtics offense. Get ready for a season full of monster dunks and incredible chemistry.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Celtics Blog.
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