It’s been a year of adjustments for Karl-Anthony Towns.
A new head coach, a new system, and a modified role has created a season of inconsistency for the Knicks’ star center.
Through 60 games played, Towns is averaging 19.7 points, his lowest scoring numbers since his rookie season. He’s also shooting a career-low 48.5 percent from the field.
Advertisement
Towns is on pace to have the lowest usage rate in his career since the 2017-18 season. The big man attempted less than 10 shots just three times all of last season. He’s already had 10 games under that threshold this season, seven of those occurring since early January.
There have been several games where Towns’ lack of a presence has stood out. The 11-year pro took just five shots in a late February 109-94 loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers. There was also the 126-111 home loss to the Detroit Pistons where Towns attempted just one shot in the first half.
An engaged Towns gives this Knicks squad a significant talent boost.
Missed opportunities
When the Knicks acquired Towns, the idea of pairing him with point guard Jalen Brunson seemed like an easy fit. Towns’ three-point threat would create space for Brunson to operate, and the center would be an easy target for Brunson to dish. The results have generally worked. New York is ranked third in offensive efficiency this season, a slight improvement on last year’s already top-five offense.
Advertisement
In the two years as teammates, Towns has been more productive with Brunson on the floor. This season, however, Towns is averaging 28.0 points per 100 possessions when sharing the floor with Brunson., according to PBP Stats. That number rockets up to 35.7 points per 100 possessions in 725 minutes without Brunson.
There are ways both the Knicks and Towns can be more effective. One easy way would be to work on the pick-and-roll.
Towns can set better screens and be more decisive. There are too many times where he doesn’t roll towards the rim or pop back to the three-point line. Often, he veers towards no man’s land after setting a pick. It usually leads to less optimal scoring opportunities.
Dec 13, 2025; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) reacts with center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) against the Orlando Magic during the fourth quarter at T-Mobile Arena. / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Brunson and Knicks teammates can look for Towns more often when he has a mismatch. With most teams now having their center guard Josh Hart while placing a wing on Towns, he often has a smaller player guarding him.
Advertisement
The opposition is consistently defending Towns with smaller players, but often, New York has struggled to deliver quality entry passes to the big man.
Positive signs
Despite those issues, Towns is finding other ways to contribute to winning. He’s still one of the best rebounders in the NBA, collecting 11.9 boards a night.
In New York’s 103-100 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Wednesday night, the Knicks struggled to deliver passes to Towns, who was guarded by smaller players all night. In response to the strategy, Towns got to work on the offensive glass, collecting a season-high nine offensive rebounds. It led to five different scoring opportunities via a made basket or drawing a foul for Towns.
Advertisement
Towns is also doing more with less. Earlier this season, the center was constantly hooking the arm of his defender, and flailing, leading to a steady amount of offensive fouls. He’s generally avoided the bad habit as of late.
The Knicks have gone 21-5 over their last 26 games. During that stretch, New York has the top-ranked defense in the NBA, per NBA Stats.
As the Knicks’ defense has hit its stride, Towns’ individual defense has also become steady. He’s never going to be dominant on that end of the floor, but Towns has been able to decrease the amount of silly fouls committed while making multiple efforts to contest shots and cover ground on the pick-and-roll.
If these trends continue, it gives the Knicks a more legitimate chance at contending in the playoffs.
