Karl-Anthony Towns and the New York Knicks are just two wins away from hoisting the Larry O’Brien trophy.
While Towns has been outstanding during the 2026 NBA Playoffs, there was a time when some of his peers thought he could not lead a team to postseason success. Towns is certainly proving his doubters wrong in these playoffs.
Draymond Green Explains How Karl-Anthony Towns Changed the Narrative
On the latest episode of “The Draymond Green Show,” Golden State Warriors forward Draymond Green discussed New York’s success and why Towns’ superb play is the key to their brilliant postseason run. Green credited the six-time All-Star for playing “with the intensity” needed to win a championship and how this wasn’t always the case with him.
“A lot of guys in the league has had a problem with KAT because a lot of guys have felt like he don’t play hard enough, he don’t play tough enough, he don’t play with the intensity that most people want to see,” Green explained. “And I think in watching these playoffs, he’s changed that entirely, and it’s the key to why they’re having the success that they’ve had.”
Towns’ playoff impact goes way beyond the numbers. In fact, most of his counting stats decreased from the regular season. He has averaged 17.3 points and 10.8 rebounds in the playoffs after posting 20.1 points and 11.9 boards over 75 games in the regular season. However, head coach Mike Brown changed the offense after New York’s Game 3 loss against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round. Towns has been used as a playmaking hub ever since, unlocking New York’s potent offense.
Towns is averaging 5.6 assists per game in the postseason, a career-high mark for both the playoffs and regular season. His playmaking and scoring ability give the Knicks a more unpredictable, versatile offense for 48 minutes, easing Jalen Brunson’s on-ball burden. Towns posted a pair of triple-doubles with 10 assists in the first round against Atlanta.
New York ranks first in offensive rating (121.2) and defensive rating (103.1) this postseason. In the past, Towns’ struggles protecting the rim led to criticism about his defense. However, he’s greatly improved his shot-blocking and rim-deterring skills in these playoffs. He’s blocking 1.3 shots per game in the playoffs after averaging 0.5 in the regular season. Towns and Mitchell Robinson now form a dangerous defensive frontcourt duo, and they have done an incredible job against Victor Wembanyama in the NBA Finals.
New York is on an incredible 13-game win streak heading into Game 3 against the San Antonio Spurs tonight. This is the second-longest streak in NBA postseason history, behind only the 2017 Golden State Warriors, who rattled off 15 consecutive victories. The Knicks can match that mark if they sweep the Spurs.
New York smells blood in the water entering Game 3 tonight at Madison Square Garden. Tip-off is set for 8:30 p.m. ET and the game will air on ABC.
