NEW YORK - Karl-Anthony Towns' Second-Half Surge: A Tale of Adjustments and Opportunities
When Karl-Anthony Towns hit the court against the Detroit Pistons last Thursday, his first-half performance was far from remarkable. Scoring just two points and making only one of three attempts, it seemed like a quiet night for the big man.
But basketball is a game of two halves, and Towns proved just that by turning up the heat in the second half. He sank six of his 11 shots, racking up 19 points to finish with a solid 21.
Head coach Mike Brown shed some light on this transformation, emphasizing that no major halftime adjustments were made beyond setting higher screens. The real change, Brown suggested, was in Towns himself. As the Knicks prepared to face the Houston Rockets, Brown highlighted the importance of Towns taking charge of his offensive involvement.
Brown has always been a coach who believes in setting his players up for success, but he's also clear that the players must seize those opportunities. On Saturday, Brown was candid about the responsibility Towns bears in reading defenses and positioning himself effectively to make an impact.
“KAT's going to have to read those moments,” Brown explained, referring to Towns’ role in the pick-and-pop strategy against the Pistons. “If they switch and mess it up, he might need to roll. If they don't switch and pressure the ball, he's got to pop.”
With two-thirds of the season behind them and questions about Towns' production swirling, Brown was straightforward: Towns needs to focus on what he can control and let the rest follow.
Brown also noted how Towns' ability to read the game can elevate the Knicks' play, particularly alongside their star point guard, Brunson. The duo can create havoc for defenses if they react smartly to the schemes they're up against.
“When Towns screens and pops out to the 3-point line, the only option for defenses is a full rotation,” Brown said. “Even though Detroit's bigs are quick and agile, it's tough to guard Jalen, double him, and then recover to KAT. It's all about reading the play, and we have designed plays for both popping and rolling.”
Throughout the Knicks' impressive eight-game win streak, Brown has been more focused on the team’s overall performance than individual stats. When asked about Towns' offensive involvement, he consistently pointed to the team’s success record. On Saturday, he praised Towns for his adaptation to the new system, calling his efforts “fantastic.”
Brown made it clear where Towns fits in the Knicks' offensive hierarchy: Brunson takes the lead, Towns follows, and the rest is dictated by the matchup. While Brown didn’t suggest Towns needs to demand the ball more, he emphasized the importance of better positioning to benefit the entire team.
In essence, Towns' second-half surge wasn't just about making shots; it was about making smart reads and seizing opportunities-a formula that could spell trouble for opponents if sustained.