A multiplayer scuffle broke out early in Thursday’s Game 3 first-round playoff matchup between the New York Knicks and Detroit Pistons at Little Caesars Arena. The incident elicited comical NBA fan reactions, with several taking shots at Knicks star center Karl-Anthony Towns.
With New York leading 30-27 with 51.8 seconds remaining in the first quarter, Knicks and Pistons big men Mitchell Robinson and Paul Reed got tangled up. Towns swiftly intervened and shoved Reed, escalating the conflict as additional players and coaches stepped in to defuse the situation.
Towns, Robinson, and Reed were each assessed technical fouls, resulting in just one free-throw attempt for Detroit. Nevertheless, the brief skirmish became a talking point among fans on X.
NBA Fans Make Light of Karl-Anthony Towns’ Tussle With Paul Reed
Several fans accused Towns of putting on a phony tough-guy act.
“Kat think he tough paul reed would beat his a*s,” one user said.
“KAT is such a fake a*s tough guy,” another wrote.
“Kat so soft charming out there. Let’s go bad boys 25 edition,” another commented.
Meanwhile, others humorously took aim at Reed and the Pistons’ toughness.
KARL-ANTHONY TOWNS VS. PAUL REED. 🍿
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 24, 2025
“Reed better think twice b4 messing with Big Dogs Money Mitch
& Big Bodega KAT,” one fan said.
“Fake bad boys gimmick,” another wrote.
A few also quipped about injured Detroit big man Isaiah Stewart (knee), known for his emotional outbursts, avoiding the altercation.
“How did Isaiah Stewart not get a tech? He is in the building… right?” one user said.
“KAT only doin this cause Stewart not playin,” another remarked.
Karl-Anthony Towns on Pistons’ Round 1 Physicality
After building a 14-point first-half cushion, Towns’ Knicks ultimately held on for a 118-116 road victory to take a 2-1 series lead. The five-time All-Star led the way, recording a game-high 31 points, eight rebounds, two blocks, and four 3-pointers, shooting 10-for-18 (55.6%). That came after he managed just 10 points during Monday’s 100-94 Game 2 home loss.
Towns started strong, scoring 11 of his 31 points during the first quarter in which he scrapped with Reed. However, his co-star Jalen Brunson stepped up most to close the game, tallying 12 of his 30 points in the fourth quarter to stave off Detroit’s comeback.
After the contest, Towns was asked if the series is “the most physical [he’s] been involved in.” The big man appeared to tiptoe around the question, coming up with another word to describe the first three games.
“It’s the most different for sure,” Towns said. “I think that’s the best way to say it. It’s been different.”
When pressed to elaborate, he opted to bite his tongue to avoid being penalized. “I ain’t gonna get fined, so I’mma just say it’s different,” Towns said. Thus, tensions appear to be rising ahead of Sunday’s Game 4 showdown in Detroit.