Karl-Anthony Towns didn't miss a beat on the glass after a one-game hiatus due to a right knee issue.
Towns grabbed 15 more rebounds in Monday's road win over the Raptors, making it the fourth consecutive game — and the 10th time already this season — that he has totaled at least that many boards.
The four-time All-Star is averaging 25.1 points and a career-best 13.2 rebounds, which ranks second in the league behind three-time MVP Nikola Jokic heading into Wednesday's NBA Cup quarterfinal game against the Hawks.
“I'm just trying to add value. That's what I wanted to do, enhance my teammates,” Towns said Monday night. “I felt like I was able to do that in my career and I thought I did a great job with the teammates that I was blessed to play with. I want to continue that trend and continue that style of play here. I want to be the best I can be, not just for myself, but for them.”
The 7-foot Towns is shooting a career-high 44.7 percent from 3-point range, including a game-clinching triple in the final minute against the Raptors.
The Knicks' injury report on Wednesday listed Josh Hart as questionable with a sprained left ankle. Towns (knee) is likely.
Bogdan Bogdanovic (quad) and Jaylen Johnson (shoulder) are questionable for the Hawks.
Trae Young (Achilles tendon) and DeAndre Hunter (knee) are likely.
This is obviously a small sample size, but the Knicks have posted an impressive 25.6 net rating in 56 minutes over three games since Precious Achiuwa returned from a preseason hamstring injury.
At this point, his offensive rating (points per 100 possessions) is 129.8, and his defensive rating with Achiuwa on the floor is 104.2.
Achiuwa had seven points, six rebounds and two blocked shots in 16 minutes against the Raptors before being traded to the Knicks last season along with OG Anunoby.
Achiuwa is Tom Thibodeau's only frontcourt player off the bench, with Jericho Sims completely out of the rotation for the first time this season.
When asked if it was difficult to find a balance between his strong reputation and his relationships with players in Toronto, Thibodeau quipped: I give them a hug every day.
We need the right players. You want to be honest. You build trust in the truth. We have great colleagues to work with. So please be honest. ”
