
Karl-Anthony Towns was expected to score a ton of points in the NBA playoffs. Surprisingly, the star player decided to flip the script and display an improved defensive game. So much so that it left fellow NBA star Draymond Green stunned.
Currently, with the Knicks leading 3-0, the likes of Anthony Towns is having a lot of light moments off the court. However, evolving his game significantly, the 30-year-old is making his defensive game stand out.
Appearing on an episode of ‘Inside the NBA,’ the Golden State Warriors star said, “I’ve never seen Karl Anthony Towns defend and be as engaged as he is on the defensive end. What we’ve seen for years, and this year some, is him get these dumb fouls. He’s not even doing that anymore!”
Draymond Green on Karl Anthony Towns:
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) May 24, 2026
“I’ve never seen Karl Anthony Towns defend and be as engaged as he is on the defensive end. What we’ve seen for years, and this year some, is him get these dumb fouls. He’s not even doing that anymore!” pic.twitter.com/D9UB42g7Rr
Now, such a comment coming in from one of the best defenders in the league is surely a huge thing for the 30-year-old Knicks’ star. Analyzing his game, the 6-time NBA All-Star is concentrating on making some important interceptions. He is also using his 7-foot frame to his advantage to make his opponents struggle. Undoubtedly, one of the biggest reasons for New York’s recent surge against the Cleveland Cavaliers is the 2016 NBA Rookie of the Year’s impressive defensive surge.
Meanwhile, with a lot of positives coming in, head coach Mike Brown, too, was all praises for Anthony Towns.
The 30-year-old’s numbers might not look overly impressive. But his playmaking skills and basketball IQ are surely helping the Knicks get to a favorable point in the league. Playing for 36 minutes in Game 3, the 6-time NBA All-Star had zero turnovers against his name. He also chimed in with eight rebounds, seven assists, three steals, and 13 points from 36 minutes of action.
Extending some significant words of praise, Brown said, “KAT, he was our hub offensively: seven assists, zero turnovers. He was really good for us offensively and defensively with three steals, but his ability to fire back in the pick-and-roll situation was really good.”
Mike Brown says Karl-Anthony Towns was the Knicks' "hub" offensively tonight:
— SNY Knicks (@sny_knicks) May 24, 2026
"He was really good for us offensively and defensively, the three steals, but his ability to fire back in the pick-and-roll situation was really good." pic.twitter.com/bGwJbLlDxb
Now, with Game 4 approaching, the expectations for Anthony Towns will be to continue with his all-around play. And the Knicks fans will surely wait to see if the next game confirms their ticket to the NBA finals.
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