Analyst Assigns Blame For Knicks' Game 2 Loss to Pistons

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By JH Kubicek | Last updated Apr 22, 2025 2:39 PM ET

On Monday night, the New York Knicks lost to the Detrit Pistons, falling 100-94 and evening up the series at a game apeice before they have to travel to the Motor City for two games.

In the loss, Karl-Anthony Towns scored only 10 points on five-of-11 shooting from the floor, missing all of his shots from deep. While Towns was solid in the Minnesota Timberwolves' run to the Conference Finals last year, he has a much longer track record of being underwhelming in the playoffs.

The Knicks were hoping he'd moved past his lackluster performances, but they learned firsthand that "Playoff KAT" is not a thing, and if it is, it might not be something they want on their roster.

"Karl-Anthony Towns, no shots in the fourth quarter, just three in the second half, so that makes you wonder about the offensive process here in Game 2," said insider Ian Begley. "I think the rebounding was not where it was throughout the whole season, and that was a big problem. Obviously, Detroit controlled the boards."

Towns, one of the best rebounders in the league, was held to just six boards, and the Pistons outrebounded the Knicks 48-34.

That was without Isaiah Stewart on the floor, who missed the game with knee inflammation. Tobias Harris and Jalen Duren both grabbed 13 rebounds, and Cade Cunningham got 12 of his own.

Once Stewart returns, Towns will have an even tougher job on both ends of the court, and the Knicks will need him to take over as an All-Star if they want to avoid being upset in the first round.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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