Karl-Anthony Towns
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Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks during an NBA game.
The New York Knicks are primed to make a championship run this postseason, with Karl-Anthony Towns being a key factor to their success. However, Towns has had his ups and downs this season, so a Hall of Famer has challenged him to step up his game.
KAT is averaging 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game this season. It’s not a bad campaign based on stats, with the big man also being named an All-Star.
The problem seemingly stems from his inconsistent involvement in Mike Brown’s offense, which has caused him to get benched in late-game situations at times. There are also instances wherein he would have a dip in production and frustrating lapses on the defensive end.
In Thursday’s loss to the dangerous Charlotte Hornets, Brown benched Towns in the fourth quarter in favor of Mitchell Robinson, as reported by The New York Post. The Knicks were losing the rebound battle, plus the Hornets’ pick-and-roll was just too much.
Tracy McGrady Challenges Towns
Speaking on the Post Sports’ Schein Time podcast, Tracy McGrady explained to Adam Schein how Towns is key to the Knicks’ playoff success. McGrady challenged Towns to “live up to his talent” and change his mentality ahead of the postseason.
“He’s just gotta have the want to,” McGrady said. “He’s gotta want that. I’m sure coaches and his teammates are talking to him about that. He’s gotta want that. He’s gotta want that for himself and for his team. And if he takes that approach, that mentality, nobody can guard KAT. No one. This guy is so talented.”
McGrady had nothing but praise for what Towns is capable of doing on the court, from his size to shooting. He even thought that if KAT takes things more seriously, he could become nearly unguardable. It’s all about Towns wanting to be great because that’s what the Knicks will need him to be.
The former Knick also pointed out Towns’ defense as something that will have to be top-notch in the playoffs. It should be noted that the Knicks are already a good defensive team, but they have to tighten things even more once the postseason begins.
Brown Explains Towns’ Benching
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GettyNew York Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns was the subject of criticism for his recent play but that changed with his performance against the Chicago Bulls.
With around eight minutes left in the game, Brown pulled out Towns and replaced him with Robinson. He had 13 points in 22 minutes. The Knicks were down 20 points at that point in the game, so the coach was just looking for a spark defensively.
“I just thought when we had Mitch in there with certain guys, we were able to match their physicality,” Brown said. “And we made a run. But we were down 20 at that time. And versus a good team on the road, that’s tough to do.”
The Knicks were able to trim the lead to just 10 points with less than two minutes remaining. However, it was too late as the Hornets pulled off the 114-103 win.
Towns had no problem with Brown’s decision, telling reporters after the game that he would continue to cheer on his teammates if he’s on the bench. He will be ready to play whenever his number gets called.