The 2024-25 NBA season has come to an end for the New York Knicks as they were unable to make it past the Indiana Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals.
New York fell behind 2-0 in the series after dropping the first two games at Madison Square Garden and while they were able to extend the series to six games, the Pacers were ultimately able to take care of business and advance to the NBA Finals.
Of course, Jalen Brunson led the way for the Knicks during their playoff run but fans were quick to criticize both head coach Tom Thibodeau and star center Karl-Anthony Towns as they believed they were the reasons for New York’s playoff exit.
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32).
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32).
© Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Towns did struggle at times during the playoffs, especially on the defensive side of the ball but he also came up big down the stretch on the offensive end and on the boards.
Despite this, fans are still calling for Towns to be traded this summer, which is highly unlikely after his first season in New York.
After the Knicks’ playoff exit, former Los Angeles Lakers guard Lou Williams made a clear four-word statement regarding Towns and the criticism he has received.
“Get of KAT’s back,” Williams said. “We also gotta stop allowing X and Instagram to be our GMs. That was his first season as a New York Knick and they got to the ECF...if it wasn't for KAT, y'all would've been sent home 72 hours earlier anyways.”
It is clear that Williams has Towns’ back and he made it clear that fans should not be blaming him for New York’s playoff exit.
Of course, Towns played a key role in the Knicks’ success this season, which was his first in New York after he was traded there by the Minnesota Timberwolves last summer.
Jalen Brunson
New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts with guard Jalen Brunson (11).
© Petre Thomas-Imagn Images
Now the Knicks will look to upgrade their roster around their star duo of Brunson and Towns this offseason as they try to make a run at a title next season.