As the superstar player for the New York Knicks, Jalen Brunson often gets the most spotlight. He is their best scorer and the one who hits the clutch shots. However, he is not alone as one of the Knicks' star players.
The other star is Karl-Anthony Towns, who has always been a superb talent. He is a big man who is also elite at scoring across all three levels. Towns has also improved his game, becoming a playmaker and a solid defender in this postseason run.
Jalen Brunson defends Karl-Anthony Towns from the detractors
In the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs, Towns has arguably been the best player on the Knicks. Not only is he playing well on offense, but he is also defending against Victor Wembanyama well.
That is a hard task, but it seems he has the strength advantage against the Spurs' 7'5" giant. Brunson has done his part because he is a phenomenal guard, but Towns still gets some bizarre criticism here and there.
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Even Brunson is taken aback by the criticisms of Towns. As a teammate who works with KAT every day, he has no issue with his big man. In fact, he is constantly amazed by how well he performs for the Knicks day in and day out.
"I didn't really know him as well, but getting to know him now, it's an unfair narrative of him, but I truly love that dude and everything he's done for this team, the city, and as a friend. He's been fantastic," Brunson said ahead of Game 4 about Towns' impact.
It is difficult to thrive in an environment like New York, but Towns has done a wonderful job. He was part of a major trade that left some question marks around the Knicks, but they have done a magnificent job of making him such a crucial player in the system.
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