Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns: ‘We’re Better Version Of Ourselves Than At Start Of Season’

Karl-Anthony Towns has made a seamless transition to New York, proving that the sometimes intense NBA pressure of playing for the Knicks has not hindered his performance.

In the midst of a career-best season, Towns is on track to earn his fifth All-Star selection, a third All-NBA nod, and could even garner MVP votes, as noted by James L. Edwards III of The Athletic.

Since joining the Knicks in October from Minnesota, Towns has reshaped the team’s offense, which has been one of the most potent in the league. Through 49 games, the 28-year-old is averaging 24.7 points and a career-high 13.4 rebounds. He is also shooting a career-best 43.8% from beyond the arc, while posting the second-highest true shooting percentage of his career.

Towns’ impact on New York’s success is evident. The team enters the All-Star break with a 36-18 record, good for third in the Eastern Conference, and has emerged as a legitimate title contender.

This marks a significant shift for Towns, who previously found limited postseason success with the Timberwolves, before their recent deep playoff run.

“I try my best in my career to be appreciative of these moments,” Towns said in reflection on his All-Star selection. “It’s something I’ve learned as my career has gone on, a decade in. I make it a point to appreciate these moments as they come, because you never know what life has.”

Towns credited injuries that slowed him early in his career for teaching him the value of humility and gratitude for his achievements.

While the Knicks’ early-season success is encouraging, Towns and his teammates recognize that significant challenges lie ahead.

Despite their strong record, the team has struggled against elite competition, failing to secure a win in five matchups against Oklahoma City, Cleveland, and Boston.

“Offensively, we’re doing great. Defensively, we’ve got things to work on,” Towns said. “Consistency, discipline, but I think we’re a much better version of ourselves than we were at the start of the season. We’re always trying to get 1 percent better every night, and I think that’s what this team has done.”

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