Karl-Anthony Towns is waiting for his famous shooting stroke to surface with his new team, but that didn't stop the center from stuffing the box score with an impressive preseason game.
Towns, who made his home Knicks debut and acknowledged the pressure was mounting at MSG, hit just one of seven 3-pointers in Wednesday's 117-94 win over the Wizards. That included an airball 3-point shot that briefly drew groans from the crowd.
But those fans' fears turned into applause when Towns finished with 25 points and 12 rebounds despite a wayward jumper, coming on for the final time in the fourth quarter.
The center got to the foul line and knocked down 10 of 11 from there, showing off his playmaking with a post-up hook shot, a backdoor pass to Jalen Brunson and a variety of other moves with the ball.
“We're going to have some tough nights, especially in the Garden, where we can't get some good shots,” Towns said. “Obviously the pressure is different. Even when things aren't going well, show your teammates and the fans that you have mental toughness. I think it's about developing that on the defensive end or getting in shape early rather than late in the game.” You just have to find out. For me, it's about staying mentally tough and continuing to fight through adversity and taking some shots when you need to get a lead. You just learn a little bit in games like this. I'm very happy to be able to do that.”
Towns, who played 28 minutes, was the Knicks' best player in the third quarter, when the home team went on a 19-9 run to secure a blowout victory.
“For the first time here, he probably started pressing a little bit,” Tom Thibodeau said. “I like the way he looks. Just be patient. At the end of the day, it will take care of itself. And it did. He kept it that way. He didn't flinch. I thought he did a little more playmaking and that led to easier baskets. …He started getting to the basket. He made a few layups. He's a very talented scorer. He can score in a variety of ways. He can score off the bounce. He can score and get back to the basket. We can. So if one area doesn't work, we go back to playmaking. That opens up the floor for everyone.”
Although Patrick Ewing was once again a full member of the Knicks and did not play in Wednesday's preseason opener, Thibodeau outlined his newly created role as “basketball ambassador.”
“His involvement with me and giving him his thoughts will be invaluable for us. He'll be here sometimes and other times he'll be away watching the game and giving us feedback.” said Thibodeau. “We are also cooperating with team president Leon.” [Rose] front office and [executive William] Wesley, I think he's helpful from that perspective as well.
“And the fact that obviously a Hall of Fame player and one of the greatest Knicks of all time, the fact that he understands the perspective of a former player, the conversations he has with the players, what New York has been through here. I think his career obviously speaks for itself. Every year he was here and healthy, he should have felt like he had a chance to win.”
Brunson, the newly named team captain, was the last Knicks player announced to the starting lineup for home games, replacing Julius Randle.
“No. Number 11, Jalen Brunson,” the announcer bellowed.
The lineup was Towns, Josh Hart, OG Anunoby, Mikal Bridges, and Brunson.
In another status sign, Hart's locker will move to Randle's longtime spot, Bridges will take over Hart's old spot, and Towns will move to Donte DiVincenzo's former locker (the top spot once occupied by Carmelo Anthony). I went to the spot.
Asked if Mitchell Robinson is on the court despite being out indefinitely due to multiple foot and ankle surgeries, Thibodeau said, “He's just rehabbing.” Ta.
Robinson did not travel to training camp with the Knicks in Charleston, South Carolina, instead remaining near their practice facility in Westchester. Officials said Robinson could return in December or January, but noted the situation is fluid.
Robinson was not on the Knicks' bench to start Wednesday's preseason game.
