Game 5 between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons brought the playoff energy back to Madison Square Garden, and once again, Karl-Anthony Towns found himself under the spotlight. After stealing the show in Game 4 with a clutch 27-foot step-back three that gave the Knicks a thrilling one-point win and a 3-1 series lead, expectations were sky-high for the star forward.
Towns had been lights out all postseason, averaging 22.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and nearly two assists per game. He was connecting from deep, dominating in the paint, and proving to be a matchup nightmare for the Pistons. Now, with the Knicks looking to close out the series at home, the big man was back on the court and ready to deliver in Game 5.
Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Pistons: How Much Did He Score in Game 5?
| Minutes | Points | Rebounds | Assists | FG% | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 34 | 17 | 11 | 1 | 35.7 | 50 |
How Did Towns Perform During Game 5 of the Playoffs?
Towns put together a respectable outing in the Knicks’ tough 103–106 loss to the Pistons, but it wasn’t one of his more dominant games against Detroit.
In the first half, KAT looked sharp. He scored 11 points, grabbed four rebounds, and shot a decent 4-of-9 from the field. He even knocked down his lone 3-point attempt and got to the free-throw line, going 2-for-3. His early activity gave the Knicks an interior presence and kept them in the back-and-forth battle.
But as the game wore on, his impact dipped a bit. He finished with 17 points and a solid 11 rebounds, marking yet another double-double against the Pistons. However, his shooting efficiency took a hit. Towns shot just 5-of-14 from the floor, including 2-of-4 from deep. He made most of his free throws (5-of-6), but he couldn’t quite find a consistent rhythm offensively in the second half.
Compared to his previous games against Detroit, where he’s had some explosive performances, this one felt quieter. The rebounding was on point, but the lack of assists (just one) and the dip in shot-making down the stretch stood out, especially with the Knicks needing a go-to bucket late.
In short, KAT was solid, just not spectacular. He played his role, but this wasn’t one of those takeover games we’ve seen from him before against the Pistons. With how tight the game was, even a small scoring burst in the fourth could’ve swung things New York’s way.
Anthony Towns vs. Pistons: Head-to-Head Career Stats
Anthony Towns has consistently delivered strong performances against the Pistons throughout his career, averaging 22.1 points, 9.5 rebounds, and 3.5 assists across 17 matchups.
Here’s a quick look at his stats against the Pistons:
- Nov. 20, 2015: 18 PTS, 7 REB, 3 AST
- Dec. 31, 2015: 22 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST
- Dec. 9, 2016: 14 PTS, 12 REB, 1 AST
- Feb. 3, 2017: 24 PTS, 11 REB, 1 AST
- Oct. 25, 2017: 23 PTS, 10 REB, 1 AST
- Nov. 19, 2017: 16 PTS, 9 REB, 3 AST
- Dec. 19, 2018: 16 PTS, 8 REB, 2 AST
- March 6, 2019: 24 PTS, 4 REB, 2 AST
- Nov. 11, 2019: 25 PTS, 8 REB, 6 AST
- Dec. 23, 2020: 22 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST
- May 11, 2021: 28 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST
- Feb. 3, 2022:Â 21 PTS, 14 REB, 4 AST
- Feb. 6, 2022: 24 PTS, 12 REB, 2 AST
- Jan. 17, 2024: 27 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
- Nov. 1, 2024:Â 21 PTS, 11 REB, 7 AST
- Jan. 13, 2025: 26 PTS, 12 REB, 3 AST
- April 10, 2025: 25 PTS, 10 REB, 5 AST
From his rookie season in 2015 to his most recent appearance in April 2025, Towns has shown a remarkable blend of scoring efficiency and playmaking ability whenever he faces Detroit. He opened the rivalry with an efficient 18-point outing in just 28 minutes on Nov. 20, 2015, and followed it up with a 22-point, 9-rebound effort by year’s end.
His frontcourt dominance became more evident in the following seasons. On Feb. 3, 2017, Towns dropped 24 points and grabbed 11 boards on the road. He had multiple double-doubles during this span, including a 23-point, 10-rebound game on Oct. 25, 2017, and a 24-point, 12-rebound performance at home on Feb. 6, 2022.
One of his most complete showings came on Dec. 23, 2020, when he put up 22 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists, showcasing his ability to facilitate offense from the center position. In more recent contests, now donning a New York Knicks jersey, he hasn’t slowed down. He poured in 26 points and 12 rebounds on Jan. 13, 2025, and followed it up with 25 points and 10 rebounds in just 29 minutes on April 10, 2025.
Towns’ consistent ability to produce against Detroit—whether in Minnesota or with New York—highlights his all-around skillset and his tendency to exploit weaker frontcourts. His inside-out game, combined with improved passing and efficient shooting, has made him a matchup nightmare for the Pistons over the past decade.
