Karl-Anthony Towns has looked in pristine touch after the 2026 All-Star break. The New York Knicks superstar center scored 28 points and 10 rebounds in the team’s 105-99 win over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday.
Ahead of the weekend skirmish against the Bulls, he logged 25 points against the Houston Rockets. Before that were two double-double outings against the Detroit Pistons and the Philadelphia 76ers, respectively.
Former Wizards Star Weighs In on the Criticism of Knicks Star Karl-Anthony Towns
Speaking on his ‘Gil’s Arena’ podcast, former Washington Wizards star and three-time NBA All-Star Gilbert Arenas praised Karl-Anthony Towns amid the relentless criticism of the big man.
“I make fun of KAT just cause of the mannerisms, and I’m a troll, but when it comes to just basketball, PF or C, he has a claim for the last 11 years he has been top two or three in his position every year.”
Gilbert Arenas on the narrative of Karl Anthony Towns being soft:
“I make fun of KAT just cause of the mannerisms and I’m a troll but when it comes to just basketball, PF or C, he has a claim for the last 11 years he has been top two or three in his position every year”
(Via… pic.twitter.com/VdCxM1uD3f
— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) February 23, 2026
Ahead of the All-Star break, speculations were rife that Towns was struggling under his new coach’s system of play. He was seen struggling offensively while trying to sink the same shots he would make with utmost ease. His stroke seemed to have returned after the break, after he made nine of his last 16 three-point attempts.
Also, supporting his efforts was his teammate Jalen Brunson. “When anyone sees the ball go through the hoop, it gives a level of confidence and makes you feel like you can do anything on the court,” the guard said, per The Athletic. “Then you shot-fake, they bite, and then you’re able to make plays for yourself or others.”
At the time of writing, Towns is in the middle of a productive run despite his struggles early on in the season. In his 54 games, he is averaging 20.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 2.9 assists per contest while shooting 47.4 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from deep.
In his post-game interview after the win against the Bulls, Towns addressed the criticism surrounding his recent performances. “When we get in those spots in the Playoffs, we could find ourselves winning the game, and for me, personally, just my career has been full of pressure, and I’ve always been held to a higher standard than everyone.”
Towns and the Knicks play the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Milwaukee Bucks on the road before returning home to host the in-form San Antonio Spurs. Only time will tell if Towns can keep his scintillating run going and extend NY’s winning streak.
