The Knicks found a way to unlock Karl-Anthony Towns without asking him to live in the paint and battering into defenders all night.
That adjustment came into focus against the Atlanta Hawks, when Towns started operating as a playmaker from the top of the key. What had been a season-long source of friction between player and coach - especially around Towns’ choices out of the post - suddenly became a playoff solution. It helped New York win the championship.
Now the Knicks can keep that wrinkle in their offense as they try to defend it all season. It also gives Towns a path to less contact, which matters for a player who has led the NBA in offensive fouls for three straight seasons.
Towns’ habit of drawing whistles became a recurring talking point during the 2026 regular season. By Christmas, he had seven more offensive fouls than anyone else in the league, and the issue kept coming up alongside stretches of foul trouble. Local and national broadcast crews made it a regular part of the conversation.
Jalen Brunson’s message was straightforward. The Captain said Towns needs to handle the things he can control and avoid giving officials a reason to blow the whistle, according to the New York Post.
“KAT just has to do a better job of not using his off arm. And we tried to explain that to him.
And he’s getting better at it. I think even the minor contact stuff that he does gets called for offensive fouls.
So it’s all about an adjustment period.“
Brunson’s point made sense, but it left out another important angle: Towns can still tilt a game at a high level without spending so much time attacking from the post. Brown saw that possibility and leaned into it.
With his shooting range, feel, and towering size - unless Victor Wembanyama is involved - Towns can function like a quarterback, spraying the ball around from outside the pocket instead of forcing everything inside. Brown and Towns worked together to bring that version of the offense to life, and it showed when New York needed it most against Atlanta.
The wrinkle came together quickly ahead of Game 4, but it was hardly an accident. One of the Knicks’ assistant coaches told Alan Hahn earlier in the offseason that a full summer of planning would give Towns even more room to grow as a playmaker.
New York knows where Towns is most comfortable creating. When he drives, he can use his size and skill to set up easy baskets for himself or for teammates. But with Brown and the Knicks now adding another way for him to do damage away from the paint, Towns may finally have a new lane - and maybe, at last, lose that unwanted offensive-foul crown to somebody else.
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Knicks Title Just Made The Nets Rebuild Look Even Worse
The Knicks title run has only sharpened the contrast across town, where the Nets are still trying to crawl out of a prolonged downturn. Brooklyn has now missed the playoffs for three straight years and just came off a 20-62 season, a stretch that has left the organization trying to sell patience while its crosstown rival celebrates the sports biggest prize.
Joe Tsai didnt hide how awkward the moment felt, calling the Knicks championship embarrassing for his side while sticking to the rebuilding script. The Nets at least added a piece to build around with the sixth pick in the 2026 NBA Draft, using it on Mikel Brown Jr., who flashed some promise in summer league despite dealing with back issues, but the real test is still ahead for a team that has yet to prove the plan is working. [Read more 🡒]
Knicks Backup Center Plan Still Feels Far From Settled
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New York still has time to sort it out before the trade deadline, and the expectation is that the market could get more interesting as February approaches. For now, the Knicks seem content to manage the position with patience rather than force a decision early, leaving the backup center spot as one of the more obvious areas to watch. [Read more 🡒]
Karl-Anthony Towns Gave Knicks Fans One More Reason To Celebrate
Karl-Anthony Towns had another big August moment away from the court, marrying Jordyn Woods on Aug. 15 in Malibu, Calif., in a celebration that drew a mix of family, friends and a few familiar faces from across sports and entertainment. Among the guests were Gayle King, Kylie Jenner and several NBA players, adding to what was already a high-profile night for the former Knicks center.
The reception also had a very New York basketball touch to it, with the actual Larry OBrien NBA Championship Trophy on the dance floor as part of the celebration. Towns father added to the night with a toast that centered on a rare double accomplishment, noting his son had earned both an NBA championship ring and a wedding ring in the same year. [Read more 🡒]