Latest news with #Towns'
Yahoo
12 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Knicks Wouldn't Reach ECF Without KAT': Ex-NBA Player Defends Karl-Anthony Towns Amid Criticism
'Knicks Wouldn't Reach ECF Without KAT': Ex-NBA Player Defends Karl-Anthony Towns Amid Criticism originally appeared on Fadeaway World. The New York Knicks saw a massive shift in their roster when they made a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves to acquire Karl-Anthony Towns. Although Towns' impact was largely positive, the big man has faced a lot of criticism, bearing the blame for New York's exit from the playoffs. In light of this, former NBA player Lou Williams had to step in to defend the forward. While speaking on "Run It Back", he said: Advertisement "Get off KAT's back. We also gotta stop allowing X and Instagram to be our GMs... There ain't a lot of KATs lying around that you can just get rid of and feel like you're going to have a better opportunity to win." "If you've got an opportunity to get a Giannis or somebody, sure. You take a look at everything. But that was his first season as a New York Knick, and they got to the ECF. There's a lot of adjustments to be made." Williams acknowledged Towns' defensive shortcomings, a point of concern for the Knicks, but he added that this was one among many mistakes that accumulated, eventually resulting in a loss. He then added to his statement by saying, "If it wasn't for KAT, y'all would've been sent home 72 hours earlier anyways. So give these guys credit and give them an opportunity to get better and grow." Advertisement Towns' performance in the ECF could be considered consistent. His ability to stretch the floor, along with his sustained offensive output in the paint during Game 5 of the ECF, was crucial in keeping their playoff hopes alive. The Knicks' big man recorded 24 points and 13 rebounds for the game while shooting 50% from the field, attempting only four shots from beyond the arc. The 29-year-old practically reinvented himself with the Knicks. While he was already considered one of the best sharpshooting big men in the league, Towns showcased an aggression that was highly beneficial for the team during the ECF series. Towns notched an average of 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game in the regular season. Although these numbers did take a bit of a hit in the playoffs, the change wasn't drastic enough to garner the kind of scrutiny that he has. Advertisement Regardless, the Knicks find themselves in a strange position heading into the offseason. After a commendable run through the playoffs, New York will still be looking to shake things up to improve. The Knicks are rumored to be making some personnel changes. While head coach Tom Thibodeau seems to have the support of the franchise, the team may see some major adjustments. With links to superstars in trade rumors forming the narrative of the offseason, the organization will attempt to build a roster that can secure a championship for the city. Related: NFL Legend Comes Under Fire For Claiming Jalen Brunson Is Better Than Stephen Curry This story was originally reported by Fadeaway World on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
New York Knicks coaches, teammates already souring on Karl-Anthony Towns
The New York Knicks have been assembling a superteam for a few years now. Their latest swing for the fences involved trading for then-four-time All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. To do so, the Knicks sent out three-time All-Star Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo, and the 17th overall pick in exchange for KAT. In some respects, the move paid off in a big way, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals after being eliminated in the semifinals last year. Advertisement However, according to James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz of The Athletic, coaches and players inside the Knicks organization quickly grew frustrated with Towns' defensive habits despite his scoring prowess. 'Publicly, Knicks players made veiled comments all season about poor communication causing their inconsistencies. Behind the scenes, they and coaches expressed frustration with Towns' defensive habits — less concerned with his talent level and more with his process on that end. Too often, Towns executed incorrect coverages without communicating why he did it. After it became a theme, players worried Towns didn't grasp the importance of the matter.' The Athletic on Karl-Anthony Towns It's fascinating to think that coaches later became frustrated with Towns' defense. After all, Tom Thibodeau already coached Towns for three seasons in Minnesota, when Knicks assistant Rick Brunson and Larry Greer were on hand too. In other words, shouldn't the Knicks' coaching staff already have had a complete grasp of what Towns is and isn't capable of? It's not like he suddenly lost his athleticism or was bouncing back from a serious injury, and judging by his scoring numbers, Towns was healthy. Perhaps all the Knicks need is more time, like an offseason to build chemistry and reinforce defensive tactics to get Towns in sync with the rest of the team. If not, there could be trouble afoot in New York. Related: Chicago Bulls were ready to offer 'everyone' for this player
Newsweek
7 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
Pacers vs. Knicks Game 5 Betting Odds, Best Bets: Can NYK Keep ECF Alive?
As of Thursday afternoon, the Knicks are 4.5-point favorites at home vs. the Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. As of Thursday afternoon, the Knicks are 4.5-point favorites at home vs. the Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals. Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Despite Karl-Anthony Towns being listed as questionable and the Indiana Pacers' 3-1 series lead, the New York Knicks are the clear favorites in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals tonight at Madison Square Garden. Towns' status is a major concern for the Knicks, who list their All-Star center as questionable. For the Pacers, SF Aaron Nesmith is also listed as a game-time decision tonight, though both players are expected to be in action. Nesmith logged 32-plus minutes in Game 4 and finished with 16 points on 5-for-9 FG shooting after spraining his ankle in Game 3. Pacers vs. Knicks Game 5 Betting Odds DK FD bet365 IND spread +4.5 (-108) +4.5 (-114) +4.5 (-115) NYK spread -4.5 (-112) -4.5 (-106) -4.5 (-105) IND ML +142 +152 +150 NYK ML -170 -180 -180 Total 222.5 (o-108; u-112) 223 (o-110; u-110) 222 (o-110; u-110) How to Watch Pacers vs. Knicks Game 5 Tipoff: 8 p.m. ET Channel: TNT/truTV/Max Pacers vs. Knicks Eastern Conference Finals Winner Odds DraftKings : IND -600; NYK +450 : IND -600; NYK +450 FanDuel : IND -650; NYK +480 : IND -650; NYK +480 bet365: OKC -700; NYK +500 Pacers vs. Knicks Analysis, Betting Picks Can New York Slow Down Haliburton, Pacers? The Knicks were torched by Tyrese Haliburton (32 points, 12 rebounds, 15 assists, 0 turnovers) and Indiana in Game 4 on Tuesday. The Pacers hung 130 points on Jalen Brunson and Co., with an offensive rating of 126.8 and an effective field goal percentage of 58.5 to go with their 45-of-88 night from the field. The Pacers bogged down offensively in the second half of Game 3, but they have otherwise been outstanding throughout this series, by both counting stats and efficiency metrics. They finished Game 1 with 138 points and an offensive rating of 128.7, then scored 114 points (offensive rating: 123.4) in Game 2. After starting Game 3 strong, they went cold after halftime in that one en route to a 106-100 loss. Indiana posted by far its worst numbers of the series in that game due to its 42-point second half. In fact, it finished that contest with series lows in not only points (100), but also offensive rating (104.9), field goal percentage (44.2) and effective FG percentage (47.4). If we ignore, for a second, the eye test -- which has screamed that the Pacers' fast-paced attack is too much for the Knicks -- the numbers alone make it hard not to believe that Game 3 was an outlier, and that the Pacers will once again be able to light up the scoreboard tonight. Can Brunson, Towns Carry New York To Shootout Victory? If the Knicks indeed need a massive offensive performance to keep this series alive, the good news is that Brunson (who is averaging 33.3 ppg in this series) and Towns (25.8 ppg in this series) have both been able to score on the Pacers at will. Tonight, though, with Towns battling a knee contusion and Brunson on the verge of wearing down amid the pressure he's under as a defender, I don't think that duo will have enough to pull out a victory. And remember, Towns (35 points) and Brunson (43) combined to score 78 in Game 1 at home, and New York still lost that contest. Pacers vs. Knicks Game 5 Best Bets Obviously, New York could stay alive if it gets big scoring games from OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges and the rest of the Knicks' supporting cast. But based on how this matchup has played out to date, that doesn't feel like the most likely outcome tonight. While writing off the desperate Knicks at home is a bold way to go, taking the Pacers to (at least) cover feels like the right play tonight. I also like the Pacers to go over their team total of 109.5. That number feels well within reach, to say the least, for a team that has A) scored at least 114 points in 11 of its 14 playoff games and B) is averaging 120.5 points per game in the ECF. Pacers +4.5 (-108 at DraftKings) -- 1 unit Pacers Team Total Over 109.5 (-110 at DK) -- 1 unit Newsweek may earn an affiliate commission if you sign up through the links in this article. See the sportsbook operator's terms and conditions for important details. Sports betting operators have no influence over newsroom coverage.
Fox Sports
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Fox Sports
Karl-Anthony Towns' knee to be 'evaluated' before Knicks-Pacers Game 5
The Knicks, after falling 3-1 to the Pacers, now find themselves concerned with another potential loss. With just 2:11 left in Game 4 of the NBA's Eastern Conference finals, Knicks' star Towns and the Pacers' Aaron Nesmith crashed into each other, and it appeared as if the former hurt his knee on the play. Towns' status for Game 5 is now in question – nothing has been declared one way or the other, but Knicks' coach Tom Thibodeau, in the postgame press conference, responded to a question about Towns' knee by saying that, "He was able to go back in, so that's a good sign. We'll see where he is after he gets evaluated." Following a brief timeout for a New York challenge, Towns would return to the court for the final two minutes of regulation. It was clear that his knee was in pain during that time, as he was not moving as he had been before the collision, though, as said, the extent of what is going on with his knee is unknown, and will remain so until he's evaluated. [Related: NBA East Finals: Knicks on the brink of elimination; can the Pacers clinch in Game 5?] It is worth pointing out that this is possibly nothing to fret about – as Thibodeau said, Towns returning to the game is a good sign. However, with just two minutes to go, and adrenaline certainly a factor, that in and of itself is not a guarantee of anything. Earlier in these very playoffs, LeBron James temporarily exited Game 5 of the Lakers' series against the Timberwolves, before returning to finish out the final 7:23 of the game. A postgame medical analysis revealed an MCL sprain, which would have cost James a Game 6, if there had been one, and beyond, given that the recovery time for even a mild MCL sprain is counted in weeks, not days. That being said, it's not clear that anything that severe is wrong with Towns, by any means, or that anything at all is wrong outside of feeling a little off following colliding with another player – just that the "good sign" Thibodeau spoke of only extends to the coming evaluation, and nothing more. How Towns feels on Thursday before Game 5, and that evaluation, will tell us a whole lot more about his condition than whether he was able to return for two more minutes of play following a challenge timeout. Towns' production has been invaluable these playoffs, as it was during the regular season. The seven-footer, acquired in a three-team offseason trade with the Wolves and Charlotte Hornets, averaged 24.4 points per game in the regular season, and is at 21.3, with 11.4 rebounds per game, through 16 postseason contests. His 24 points and 15 rebounds played a huge role in the Knicks' lone win in the series against the Pacers in Game 3, as 20 of those 24 points came in the fourth quarter, allowing the Knicks to erase a 20-point deficit and ensure at least a Game 5. The Knicks will host the Pacers for Game 5 as the Eastern Conference finals return to New York, at 8 pm E.T. on Thursday, May 29. Want great stories delivered right to your inbox? Create or log in to your FOX Sports account , and follow leagues, teams and players to receive a personalized newsletter daily! FOLLOW Follow your favorites to personalize your FOX Sports experience New York Knicks Indiana Pacers National Basketball Association recommended Get more from National Basketball Association Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
New York Post
27-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Knicks vs. Pacers Game 4 prediction, odds: NBA Eastern Conference finals picks, best bets
New York Post may be compensated and/or receive an affiliate commission if you click or buy through our links. Featured pricing is subject to change. These NBA playoffs have been as wild as any that I can recall, thanks to several comebacks of at least 20 points. The Knicks have been spearheading this trend, starting with the rallies against the Celtics, and then saving their season in Game 3 against the Pacers. Karl-Anthony Towns gets the credit, thanks to 20 of his 24 points coming in the fourth quarter. All things considered, Towns' production has been consistent. In the past nine games, Towns has scored less than 19 points just once. He's a reliable scorer and coach Tom Thibodeau needs that scoring, especially with Jalen Brunson potentially slowing down or being limited by Indiana's targeted defense. Even more consistent has been Towns' passing — or lack thereof. In 12 of his past 14 playoff games, Towns has registered one or zero assists. However, his proposition bet continues to be lined at 1.5 assists. Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers blew a big lead in Game 3. NBAE via Getty Images After averaging 3.1 during the regular season, Towns began the playoffs with five assists against the Pistons, but it's been between zero and two since then. As we all know, the postseason takes on a different identity. Follow The Post's coverage of the Knicks in the 2025 NBA Playoffs Sports+ subscribers: Sign up for Inside the Knicks to get daily newsletter coverage and join Expert Take for insider texts about the series. Starting lineups can change, and opponents also adjust to their evolving scouting reports. With Brunson dominating offensive possessions with dribbling, Towns is asked to be the scorer much more than a facilitator. Betting on the NBA? The Knicks need his scoring and he will stretch the defense with his shooting and rarely look to pass. I have a 44-37-1 ATS record in this Post sports section and my next play is Towns under 1.5 assists (-125, Caesars Sportsbook) in Game 4. Why Trust New York Post Betting Doug Kezirian is a New York Post contributor who has over two decades of experience in the betting space, including spending 11 years at ESPN as a host, columnist and betting analyst. Doug has over two decades of experience in the betting space, including spending 11 years at ESPN as a host, columnist and betting analyst. He's also the rare personality who has documented success – 14th place in 2023 Circa Million and Las Vegas SuperContest ($37K), two top-10 finishes in 2022 William Hill College Football Challenge ($58K) and also grabbed headlines with a $297K win on the 2021 NFL Draft.
