The New York Knicks are fresh off an unfortunate 114-102 loss to the Golden State Warriors, as the wheels fell off late in Madison Square Garden.
The fourth-quarter offensive dry spell was difficult to watch, and it was evident that Karl-Anthony Towns, who was out for personal reasons, was missed on the hardwood.
Jalen Brunson and OG Anunoby had solid performances, but it wasn't enough to overcome the untimely slump late in the contest.
Before the game, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau was asked about Towns and his absence, to which he cited the star center needing some time.
"When he's ready to come back, obviously we want him back. But he needs some time right now," Thibodeau explained.
Tom Thibodeau was asked if Karl-Anthony Towns, who is out due to personal reasons tonight, will travel w/Knicks to LA on road trip. He said he can't answer because he doesn't know. "When he's ready to come back, obviously we want him back. But he needs some time right now."
— Ian Begley (@IanBegley) March 4, 2025
With a coming four-game road trip out west, Towns' uncertain status didn't bode well for the team. Starting with the red-hot Los Angeles Lakers, Brunson and the Knicks need the 7-footer on the court to compete at the highest level.
However, on Wednesday night, the club got a massive update regarding the Kentucky product's availability.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns high-fives with teammates. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Knicks get massive Towns update before Lakers matchup
As mentioned, the Lakers have been red-hot as of late, with Luka Doncic and LeBron James clicking as a duo quite well.
The Knicks will need all hands on deck, and Towns is expected to make the trip and be available for the matchup in Los Angeles, according to Stefan Bondy.
"Karl Anthony Towns is not on the injury report and will be available tomorrow against the Lakers," Bondy shared on X.
Karl Anthony Towns is not on the injury report and will be available tomorrow against the Lakers, per league sources
— Stefan Bondy (@SbondyNBA) March 6, 2025
Towns is averaging 24.5 points, 13.4 rebounds and 3.1 assists per game, helping Brunson lead the Knicks to their current 40-21 record as the No. 3 seed in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks are facing a tall task as the 39-21 Lakers are the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference after winning eight of their past ten outings.
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This story was originally published March 5, 2025 at 8:11 PM.