After back-to-back double-double performances in the NBA Finals, New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns did not have a strong outing in their loss to the San Antonio Spurs, 115-111, in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Monday.
Towns was outplayed by Victor Wembanyama, who delivered an absolute masterclass with 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three blocks.
In comparison, Towns finished with 11 points on 4-of-10 shooting, eight rebounds, three steals, and two blocks.
While he has played laudably against the Spurs, the 30-year-old Towns has a grand total of zero points in the fourth quarter in the NBA Finals.
Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns has yet to score in 4th quarters of the NBA Finals vs. the Spurs 👀
1Q–3Q: 50 points
4Q: 0 points pic.twitter.com/8qzm141912
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) June 9, 2026
His disappearing acts in the final period might turn off voters when they select the Finals MVP. But of course, the Knicks should first secure the championship.
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Mitchell Robinson, Landry Shamet, and Miles McBride have more fourth-quarter points than Towns in the NBA Finals.
Towns was highly productive in the first two games, averaging 19.5 points on 56.4% shooting, 12.5 rebounds, 4.0 assists, and 1.0 blocks. Many quickly pointed to him as the frontrunner for Finals MVP.
But for sure, the six-time All-Star is not too concerned about the personal accolade. He is more focused on doing his role and staying aggressive on both ends to help the Knicks finally end their 53-year title drought.
Towns stressed that they need to take better care of the ball. The Knicks, who saw their 13-game winning streak get snapped, gave up 21 points off 13 turnovers in Game 3.
Towns has proven doubters wrong with his inspired run in the playoffs. But he must show up in the fourth quarter to ease some of the pressure off Jalen Brunson and give the Knicks back the momentum against the Spurs.
After back-to-back double-double performances in the NBA Finals, New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns did not have a strong outing in their loss to the San Antonio Spurs, 115-111, in Game 3 at Madison Square Garden on Monday. Towns was outplayed by Victor Wembanyama, who delivered an absolute masterclass with 32 points on 11-of-18 shooting, eight rebounds, six assists, two steals, and three blocks.