'Banged up' Karl-Anthony Towns shows character by playing in Knicks opener

The New York Knicks enter the 2025-26 season with their best chance at winning an NBA title in the 21st century, a sentiment shared not just by analysts but also by oddsmakers and members of the team. 

Amid those high expectations, the Knicks could ill-afford to start the season with a whimper in front of 19,812 fans at Madison Square Garden. That was nearly the case when they hosted the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday, as two key players — Josh Hart and Mitchell Robinson — were sidelined with injuries. Karl-Anthony Towns, dealing with a quad strain, was a game-time decision.  

Karl-Anthony Towns braves injury

Towns understood the weight of the moment and played through the pain, leading the Knicks to a 119-111 victory to kickstart the season. After the game, KAT revealed that he had the option to sit out due to a quad strain, but declared himself fit to play shortly before tipoff. 

"I've been banged up, and I really haven't gotten a chance to practice or play in the last two preseason games," Towns said, via ESPN's Vincent Goodwill. "I didn't want to disappoint the fans. It's not something that's easy to deal with, [but] we made it happen tonight."

When asked to describe the pain he experienced during the game, Towns said, "It was hurting, for sure."

Karl-Anthony Towns shows character

It was notable of Towns to say he "didn't want to disappoint the fans," and hence he braved the injury in the season opener. The comments demonstrate Towns' commitment not only to the Knicks but also speak volumes about his high character. 

Towns showed similar dedication during the offseason when he welcomed Mike Brown with open arms and had a two-hour dinner with his new head coach, discussing Xs and Os, personnel and strategy for the new season. Typically, NBA stars prefer to stay away from the game during the offseason, especially in August, but Towns was locked in at the task of ending the Knicks' 52-year NBA title drought.

Towns finished with 19 points, 11 rebounds and two assists on Wednesday, helping the Knicks start the season on a victorious note. New York (1-0) will next host Boston (0-1) on Friday night.