The New York Knicks lifted the NBA Cup with a win over the San Antonio Spurs, delivering the franchise its first championship moment of any kind since 1973. While the game won't count in the regular-season standings, it clearly mattered inside the locker room, and it came with an immediate concern that could linger beyond the celebration.
Karl-Anthony Towns left the game in visible pain late, exiting to start the fourth quarter before returning to help close it out. He was on the floor when New York sealed the win. During the Amazon Prime broadcast, Cassidy Hubbarth reported Towns was dealing with a calf issue, putting a shadow over an otherwise milestone night.
When asked postgame about his health, Towns offered little clarity.
"I only care we won the game, got the shirt, and the hat," Towns said. "That's what I've been striving for all day. All day. That's all that matters."
It was a deflection rather than an update, and one that won't ease concern among Knicks fans. Towns avoided confirming whether the injury could impact his availability moving forward, leaving the team's short-term outlook unresolved.
Mitchell Robinson's strong play off the bench helped stabilize the Knicks while Towns was sidelined, but that solution carries risk. Robinson has struggled with durability throughout his career, and relying on him as a long-term stopgap if Towns misses time would be far from ideal. The fact that Towns returned and finished the game suggests the injury wasn't severe at the moment, but it doesn't eliminate longer-term questions.
Those questions already existed. Towns first appeared on the Knicks' injury report in early December with left calf tightness and was ruled out of a Dec. 7 home game against the Orlando Magic after failing to loosen up during warmups. The issue reportedly began during a win over the Utah Jazz, when he required treatment from trainers in the second half.
That absence stood out because it was his first missed game of the season. Towns has played through significant ailments this year, including a Grade 2 quad strain in October and a thumb issue in January. The decision to sit him out for calf tightness signaled a more cautious approach from the organization.
Now, there are fresh concerns extending beyond the calf, with added attention on his left knee. New York is expected to evaluate Towns over the next few days. With the Knicks back in action Friday night and limited rest ahead, the priority will be preventing a manageable issue from becoming a long-term problem, especially after a night that was supposed to be about celebrating progress, not managing anxiety.
Newsweek