The Knicks managed to pull through an underwhelming performance from Karl Anthony Towns.
To be honest, “performance” might be too generous.
Maybe “no-show” fits better.
Towns had a tough time in what turned into a nightmare Game 6, but the Knicks won the series 116-113.
In fact, he really struggled in the fourth quarter as the Pistons rallied with a 20-2 run, trying to push for a Game 7.
He ended up with just 10 points—his lowest in the series after scoring 23 points in Game 1—hitting 4 of 10 shots.
He didn’t make a single three-pointer.
In the final quarter, he missed both attempts, committing two turnovers and three fouls.
He did go 2-for-2 from the free-throw line when he had a chance to tie the game with just 1:19 remaining.
Ultimately, he fouled out with 49.1 seconds left on the clock.
Towns remarked, “It’s not about stats or personal glory. The goal is winning, and we accomplished that.” He acknowledged, “Fans only care about one thing: getting that W, and I managed to do just that.”
The Game 6 performance was certainly a reflection of his up-and-down series.
He scored 23 points in the Knicks’ Game 1 victory, but then faded into obscurity with just 10 points in a disappointing Game 2.
He rebounded with a strong 31 points in Game 3, played hero in Game 4, and then racked up just 17 points in Game 5.
Ultimately, he scored 10 points again in the decisive Game 6.
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It was a series of highs and lows.
The Knicks certainly need more consistency to face off against the Celtics in the second round.
On defense, the Celtics exploited Towns with pick-and-rolls throughout the regular season. They undeniably have the advantage, going 4-0 in their encounters.
Towns will likely have to defend against former Knick Kristaps Porzingis, who averaged 24.5 points, shooting 50% from the field and 45.5% from three in four games.
This also marks the second-highest scoring average for any team this year for Porzingis.
Simply put, Towns needs to win that matchup. He has been pivotal for the Knicks, particularly in the blockbuster trade that brought him from Minnesota.
In fact, he averaged 22.6 points and 5.2 rebounds, making him perhaps the Timberwolves’ second most critical player after Anthony Edwards.
It’s time for Towns to elevate his game.
After all, that’s precisely why the Knicks made the trade.
