Jalen Brunson may wear the captain's badge for the New York Knicks, but it's Karl-Anthony Towns who holds the key to their championship hopes.
Kendrick Perkins, the former NBA veteran and current ESPN analyst, recently shared his insights on "Get Up," suggesting that despite skepticism about the Knicks' playoff prospects this season, they have a "legit chance" at a Finals berth if Towns is fully engaged in the game plan.
"If they use this recipe of using Karl-Anthony Towns, the Knicks actually got a legit chance of going to the NBA Finals. Karl-Anthony Towns is the most important player on this team, and they got to continue to find ways to feature him in the offense," Perkins emphasized.
Towns, now in his second season with the Knicks, has been a lightning rod for criticism, particularly for his inconsistent play and defensive lapses. But as MSG Network's Alan Hahn noted on social media, these critiques only surface when Towns doesn't meet his potential, because "we know how impactful he can be when he’s locked in!"
Both visually and statistically, Towns' performance is a bellwether for the Knicks' success. The numbers speak volumes: In their 37 victories this season, Towns averages 20.1 points on 49.1 percent shooting and an impressive 41.3 percent from three-point range. His plus-minus stands at a solid plus-11.5, paired with a stellar 105.6 defensive rating.
Contrast this with their 21 losses, where his stats dip to 19.9 points on 44.5 percent shooting and a troubling 28.7 percent from deep, alongside a minus-3.4 plus-minus and a 119.0 defensive rating. Clearly, getting Towns involved early is crucial.
Take, for instance, the game against the Pistons on February 19. Towns attempted just three shots in the first half, struggling to find his rhythm and ending with 21 points on a dismal 25.0 percent from beyond the arc. The Knicks fell 126-111.
However, against the Rockets and Bulls, Towns started strong, shooting 4-for-7 and 6-for-10 in the first halves, respectively. He finished those games with 25 and 28 points on a combined 62.5 percent shooting and 66.7 percent from three, leading the Knicks to consecutive wins.
Perkins highlighted that Towns "works off of emotions," suggesting that boosting his confidence can unlock his best performances. When Towns is in the zone and featured prominently, he's one of the league's elite. Yet, distractions-whether from lack of touches, disputes with referees, or off-court issues-can derail his focus.
As the Knicks eye a deep playoff run, it's imperative for coach Mike Brown to consistently integrate Towns as a focal point in their strategy. Only then can the team's full potential be realized, easing the nerves of fans eager for a championship breakthrough.