New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32)
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32)
Key Points
The New York Knicks are built to make a deep run in the NBA playoffs this year, and thus far they have shown it by owning a 23–10 record, second in the Eastern Conference.
One of New York’s biggest contributors, Karl-Anthony Towns, has continued to be a key piece, now in his second season with the Knicks following nine years with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
His ability to stretch the floor with reliable outside shooting while commanding attention in the post makes him an ideal complement to point guard Jalen Brunson, whose playmaking thrives when paired with a versatile big.
Throughout his first 31 games, the 30-year-old center has averaged 21.9 points, 11.7 rebounds and 2.9 assists while shooting 47.6% from the field and 36.6% from beyond the arc.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32)
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32)
Ahead of Friday’s home game against the Atlanta Hawks, Towns and the Knicks are looking to bounce back after Wednesday’s loss to the San Antonio Spurs. However, the path to doing so may not include Towns. The team released its latest injury report before New York takes the floor, listing the big man as questionable due to an illness.
Fortunately, this is not a physical setback, but it remains a concern given Towns’ importance to the lineup. His ability to space the floor offensively and control the glass defensively has been central to New York’s strong start, and losing him even temporarily would be a significant blow.
With this being the first leg of a back-to-back, the Knicks may choose to play it safe, knowing Towns will have another opportunity to suit up Saturday against the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beyond his current impact in New York, Towns’ NBA career has already cemented him as one of the league’s most skilled big men. Drafted first overall in 2015 by the Timberwolves, he earned Rookie of the Year honors, two All-NBA selections and four All-Star appearances while establishing himself as a premier scoring center.
His first season with the Knicks last year continued that success, as he added another All-Star nod and an All-NBA selection.
Towns has consistently averaged a double-double throughout his career. His move to New York marked a new chapter, giving him the opportunity to pair his offensive versatility with Brunson’s playmaking and finally pursue the NBA Finals run that eluded him in Minnesota.
The Knicks host the Hawks at 7:30 p.m. ET Friday.
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