The Knicks achieved their best regular season performance in 12 years, and their efforts paid off.
This marked the first time since the 2011-2012 season that two players from the team received All-NBA honors. Jalen Brunson was chosen for the second team, while Karl-Anthony Towns earned a spot on the third team. For Brunson, it’s his second straight selection, and for Towns, it’s the third time being named to the third team.
Both players played pivotal roles in leading the Knicks to the Eastern Conference Finals for the first time since 2000.
Towns, who joined the team from the Timberwolves during the offseason, made a significant impact, averaging 24.4 points and a career-high 12.8 rebounds per game while shooting 42% from beyond the arc in the regular season.
“Doing something special here in New York City is quite an achievement,” Towns noted prior to the series against the Pacers, emphasizing the challenges of finding success in this competitive environment.
Brunson, who was named NBA’s Clutch Player of the Year, garnered two first-team votes, 62 second-team votes, and 36 third-team votes. The first team comprised MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Nikola Jokic, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Jayson Tatum, and Donovan Mitchell.
Brunson’s second team included notable players like Anthony Edwards, LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Evan Mobley. Towns, with 40 second-team votes and 52 third-team votes, shares the third team with Cade Cunningham, Tyrese Haliburton, Jaylen Williams, and James Harden.
In a fluctuating postseason, Towns helped the Knicks advance past the Celtics, notably shining in Game 6. He kicked off the series against the Pacers with an impressive 35 points.
Follow the Knicks’ journey in the 2025 NBA Playoffs
Meanwhile, this season has also been great for Brunson. He has successfully advanced at least one round in the playoffs during all three of his seasons, quickly establishing himself as one of the league’s top guards. It’s quite remarkable for a second-round pick, which typically many would think of as backups.
Towns has been vital during the Knicks’ run, contributing to their seven playoff victories. His late-game three-pointer knocked out the Pistons in the final seconds of Game 6, and he stood out as the best player during the upset against the Celtics in the second round.
“My focus has to be clear in these moments,” Brunson said earlier in the postseason. “You can’t dwell on past plays; it’s all about winning the game and maintaining a sharp mindset. That’s how I approach it. You can’t do it without your teammates.”
