The New York Knicks have been riding high this season, with many pegging them as favorites to make a splash in the Eastern Conference and potentially reach the NBA Finals. However, recent performances have raised some eyebrows and cast a bit of doubt on their championship aspirations.
Last Thursday, the Knicks faced a tough challenge against the Detroit Pistons, who currently boast the best record in the league. The result was a 126-111 loss, marking their second significant defeat to Detroit this month, following a 118-80 blowout on February 6. More recently, the Knicks fell to the Cleveland Cavaliers by 15 points, a team that's also in the mix for Eastern Conference supremacy.
A key talking point has been the performance of Knicks' star big man Karl-Anthony Towns. Against Cleveland, Towns logged 29 minutes but managed only five shot attempts, scoring 14 points. Despite averaging 20 points per game this season and earning his third consecutive All-Star selection, there are moments when Towns seems to lack offensive aggression.
This has not gone unnoticed by Knicks fans, who have voiced their concerns. Former NBA standout Lou Williams weighed in on the "Run it Back" show, emphasizing the need for Towns and Knicks coach Mike Brown to address this issue. Williams stressed the importance of Towns demanding more involvement, especially in crucial games.
Tim MacMahon from ESPN echoed these thoughts on "Get Up," expressing bewilderment at Towns' limited shot attempts. He highlighted the need for Towns to be more assertive and for the team to find ways to get him more involved in the offense.
Since Towns joined the Knicks last season, there have been ongoing debates about his fit alongside Jalen Brunson. While Towns has the versatility to post up, shoot from beyond the arc, and drive to the basket, integrating him with other offensive threats like Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby has been a challenge.
Following the loss to Cleveland, Towns acknowledged the team's ongoing adjustments. He noted that the Knicks are still working through their system and the changes being implemented. Towns emphasized the need for patience, recognizing the New York market's demand for immediate results but stressing that the team is still evolving.
Coach Mike Brown prefers an up-tempo style, operating with fluid concepts, whereas Towns seems to lean towards a more structured approach with set plays. This difference in philosophy is part of the growing pains the team is experiencing.
Currently, the Knicks hold a solid third place in the Eastern Conference with a 37-22 record. They rank ninth in points per game and third in offensive rating.
However, their recent form has been inconsistent, splitting their last eight games. While they've had success against the Cavaliers and Celtics, their struggles against Detroit remain a concern.
Looking ahead, the Knicks face pivotal matchups against the San Antonio Spurs, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Denver Nuggets. These games will pit Towns against formidable All-Star big men like Victor Wembanyama, Chet Holmgren, and Nikola Jokić. For the Knicks to come out on top, Towns will need to elevate his game, and the team must find ways to maximize his impact on the court.