Amar'e Stoudemire, Knicks
Getty
Amar'e Stoudemire of the New York Knicks during the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at US Airways Center on January 7, 2011 in Phoenix, Arizona.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns will make a visually striking return Sunday afternoon, donning protective goggles reminiscent of a former Knicks star as he plays through a painful eye injury.
According to Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, Towns will wear the same style of goggles famously used by Amar’e Stoudemire during his tenure in New York from 2010 to 2015.
“Karl-Anthony Towns got 16 stitches on his eye,” Bondy wrote on X. “He’ll be wearing Amar’e Stoudemire goggles today (the Knicks still had a pair).”
Towns returns after missing one game and is set to start against the Boston Celtics in a Sunday matinee featuring Atlantic Division rivals.
Knicks Star Cleared After Ghastly Eye Injury vs Nuggets
Towns suffered a deep laceration to his right eye during New York’s 134–127 double-overtime win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night at Madison Square Garden.
The injury occurred late in the first quarter when Towns drove to the basket and collided head-to-head with Nuggets forward Spencer Jones. Towns was fouled on the play and emerged with blood streaming from his eye, while Jones exited shortly thereafter and later entered concussion protocol.
Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks
GettyKarl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks walks off the court after an injury during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets.
Despite the severity of the cut, Towns remained on the floor long enough to convert both free throws before heading to the locker room. He received 16 stitches and returned with 3:11 remaining in the second quarter, wearing a bandage above his eye.
“I didn’t really know how bad it was,” Towns said afterward. “But I realized how much I was bleeding. Tim Hardaway Jr. was looking at me like, ‘Ooh.’ It was pretty significant.”
Towns finished the game with 24 points on 9-of-13 shooting and 12 rebounds, fouling out late in the first overtime.
He sat out Friday’s 118–80 loss to the Detroit Pistons, the Eastern Conference leaders, but was cleared to return with protective eyewear — the first time he will wear goggles in an NBA game.
Knicks Adjust Starting Lineup as OG Anunoby Remains Out
While Towns returns, OG Anunoby will miss his second straight game due to right toe soreness. Landry Shamet is expected to replace Anunoby in the starting lineup.
Anunoby logged 40 minutes in the double-overtime win over Denver, finishing with 20 points, eight rebounds, and four assists, while drawing extended defensive assignments against three-time MVP Nikola Jokić. The heavy workload underscored the physical toll on New York’s starters during the victory.
Jose Alvarado Set for Knicks Debut After Trade Deadline Deal
Sunday’s game also marks the anticipated Knicks debut of Jose Alvarado, who cleared medicals following a trade deadline move that brought him to New York.
The Knicks acquired Alvarado from the New Orleans Pelicans in exchange for Dalen Terry, two second-round picks, and cash considerations, according to Shams Charania of ESPN.
A Brooklyn native, Alvarado starred at Christ the King High School and grew up idolizing Carmelo Anthony, making his return to New York particularly meaningful. His relentless defensive style and high-energy approach have already resonated with the fan base.
Alvarado is expected to serve as the primary backup to Jalen Brunson, a role that has taken on increased importance following another injury setback.
Miles McBride Undergoes Surgery, Playoff Return Possible
Knicks guard Miles McBride underwent successful surgery Friday to address a core muscle injury, commonly known as a sports hernia, and could be sidelined until the postseason.
The procedure was first reported by Fred Katz of The Athletic and later confirmed by McBride himself in an emotional social media post.
As the Knicks navigate injuries and integrate new pieces, Towns’ return — goggles and all — provides a timely boost for a team jockeying for position in a tightly contested Eastern Conference race.