Karl-Anthony Towns began Game 3 of the Knicks` first-round series against the Pistons with missed shots, a deep three and a floater. This followed a quiet 10-point performance in Game 2, where he scored nothing in the second half. Not exactly an ideal start for the All-Star.
However, these early misses were seen as positive signs, showing he was actively looking to score after attempting no shots in the fourth quarter of Game 2.
`He came out with the mindset of attacking right from the start, and I thought that was important for him and us,` New York coach Tom Thibodeau told reporters.
Towns soon got to the free-throw line and then hit three trail 3-pointers in quick succession.
In the Knicks` 118-116 victory, giving them a 2-1 series lead, Towns delivered a dominant performance. He led all scorers with 31 points on 10-of-18 shooting, adding eight rebounds, a steal, and two blocks in 41 minutes. He was efficient from deep (4-of-8) and perfect from the line (7-of-7), impacting the game against various defenders. While he often faced Jalen Duren, his crucial turnaround jumper late in the game came against Tobias Harris.
Towns, acquired in a significant trade before training camp, is widely expected to earn his third All-NBA selection soon. He transformed the Knicks` offense during the regular season, but faced criticism after the team`s poor offensive showing in Game 2.
`I`d say, `Welcome to New York,` but I think he has a really good understanding of New York, being from here,` Thibodeau said on Towns` ability to handle pressure. `So basically he`s unfazed. He`s been around. He`s got a lot of confidence. And he bounced back great.`
Jalen Brunson, who scored 30 points himself along with seven rebounds and nine assists, credited Towns for `setting the tone` for the team.
`That`s the KAT we know,` Brunson added. `It`s no surprise to us. We`re just happy when he`s able to go out there and do that.`
The reality is that Towns likely received excessive blame for Game 2 and is getting perhaps too much credit for Game 3. In both instances, his performance mirrored the Knicks` overall offensive execution rather than solely dictating it. Thibodeau understated the issue in Game 2, noting, `We got bogged down.` The Knicks offense was unrecognizable, a stark contrast to their top-5 regular season efficiency.
Leading up to Game 3, there was speculation about lineup changes, like reducing Josh Hart`s minutes for spacing or heavily using the double-big lineup. However, the Knicks didn`t make radical changes on Thursday. Instead, they returned to what worked all season: increasing pace, attacking in transition with Towns, creating advantages, driving to the basket, and moving the ball.
`I thought guys made a lot of good plays for each other — whether it was getting the ball up the floor quick, getting into the paint, spraying it out, making the extra pass — and that gave everyone good rhythm,` Thibodeau highlighted the collective effort.
The Knicks shouldn`t have been surprised or disrupted by Detroit`s defensive strategy placing Harris on Towns and Duren on Hart; opponents have used this tactic before. Towns typically excels attacking smaller defenders. When the Knicks maintain proper spacing, make quick decisions, push the ball after misses, and don`t solely rely on Brunson, Towns naturally finds opportunities to attack effectively, as he did in Game 3.
Towns himself gave credit, saying, `Shoutout to [Brunson and Hart], they found me in the flow of the offense and I was able to capitalize on those opportunities.`
Pistons coach J.B. Bickerstaff acknowledged they knew Towns would be aggressive. For Game 4 on Sunday, Detroit will likely focus more on matching up in transition and defending Towns without fouling. While they can`t expect to hold him to 10 points again, they can certainly improve at limiting his easier scoring opportunities.
Jasper Hawthorne