NBA Notes: Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns, Heat, Jaime Jaquez Jr, Thunder

Knicks

The Knicks are two wins away from an NBA championship, and Karl-Anthony Towns continues to be one of the biggest reasons why.

Towns delivered another strong all-around performance in New York’s dramatic 105-104 victory over the Spurs in Game 2, finishing with 21 points, 13 rebounds and four assists while posting a team-best plus-11 rating in 34 minutes.

More importantly, he has consistently made life difficult for Spurs star Victor Wembanyama through the first two games of the series.

“For me, I’m just happy to be finding ways to win,” Towns said, via Zach Braziller of the New York Post. “I’m just worried about the team result, which is winning.”

Towns added that the Knicks’ ability to lean on one another has been a defining characteristic throughout the season and postseason.

Meanwhile, New York’s depth once again proved critical. Mitchell Robinson, Miles McBride, Landry Shamet and Jose Alvarado helped spark a bench unit that contributed 27 points and 10 rebounds.

Robinson was also the primary defender on Wembanyama’s final missed shot that preserved the Knicks’ one-point victory.

“Our effort, it’s been crazy,” Robinson said. “Communication, that’s been key for us.”

Heat

As trade rumors surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo continue to dominate the NBA landscape, Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. is doing his best to tune out the noise, as relayed by Ira Winderman of the South Florida Sun Sentinel.

Jaquez has frequently been mentioned as a possible centerpiece in a Miami trade package for the Bucks superstar, but the former first-round pick says he’s learned not to get caught up in offseason chatter.

“I think it’s kind of normal,” Jaquez said. “Every summer there’s a big rumor.”

Jaquez, who is eligible for a rookie-scale extension this summer, admitted he would welcome the opportunity to sign a long-term deal with Miami.

“I think an extension would be great,” he said. “That’s what players search for.”

Thunder

Despite a disappointing Western Conference Finals against San Antonio, the Thunder have no plans to move Chet Holmgren.

According to Jake Fischer of The Stein Line, Oklahoma City continues to view Holmgren as a cornerstone piece and has no interest in including him in trade discussions.

Holmgren struggled against Wembanyama in the conference finals, averaging 10.7 points, 7.1 rebounds and 1.1 blocks while shooting inconsistently throughout the series. Still, league sources indicate the Thunder remain committed to the former No. 2 overall pick.

Holmgren’s defensive versatility, length and floor-spacing ability remain highly valued internally, and Oklahoma City is expected to focus more on managing its draft assets and payroll than pursuing a blockbuster trade.

The Thunder own picks No. 12, No. 17 and No. 37 in this month’s draft and could explore moving veterans such as Isaiah Joe or Aaron Wiggins to help avoid future tax complications.

As for Giannis Antetokounmpo, Fischer reports Oklahoma City remains unlikely to enter the sweepstakes despite possessing the assets to make a compelling offer.

That approach would be consistent with Sam Presti’s long-standing philosophy of building patiently rather than sacrificing major assets for a veteran star.