It was just three games.
Three regular season games, but they were quite telling.
Towns averaged 30.3 points, 12.0 rebounds, and 1.7 blocks while hitting 46.7% from beyond the arc, playing 36.5 minutes each game.
That’s how Karl-Anthony Towns performed against the Pacers this season.
His net rating stood at plus 10.5, suggesting the Knicks outscored Indiana by that margin per 100 possessions. The seven-footer clearly has a solid matchup against the Pacers, which could be crucial in the upcoming series.
Throughout those games, he often found himself defending All-Star players like Jalen Brown and Jason Tatum—though Tatum’s season was cut short due to an Achilles injury in Game 4.
However, it’s likely Towns will be focused on guarding Miles Turner, another skilled player who resembles his own style. During the regular season, Turner averaged 19.5 points on 45.5% shooting, along with 2.5 blocks, though he registered a negative net rating of -7.9.
In the playoffs, Towns’ performance has been a bit of a rollercoaster. He brought in an average of 19.8 points, 11.3 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks but struggled from deep, shooting just 34.1% compared to 42% during the regular season when he attempted about 4.7 threes per game.
Still, he was a significant contributor in the Knicks’ series-clinching Game 6 against the Celtics, scoring 21 points and grabbing 12 rebounds.
He attempted only three shots from three-point range, but it seemed like the Knicks were working through their offensive strategy throughout the series.
What stood out in that game was how aggressively Towns attacked the basket, using his size effectively instead of opting for contested jump shots. After a lackluster Game 5, this shift was essential.
“Setting the tone early is crucial. He was really aggressive at the start,” remarked coach Tom Thibodeau. “That opened up other options for us.”
While the Knicks will certainly turn to Jalen Brunson, players like Towns, Mikal Bridges, and OG Anunoby are also stepping up. In the playoffs, Towns averages 21.2 points in wins but drops to 16.7 points in losses.
“My teammates have really trusted me to score, and I’m glad I can return that trust with points,” he said after Game 6.
This series will mark the fourth encounter between the Knicks and the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Finals. The Knicks triumphed back in 1994 and 1999, while the Pacers advanced in 2000.
They faced off in the second round last year, where Indiana came back from a 2-0 deficit to win the series. The Knicks had made significant adjustments since then.
“They’ve added Mikal since last season, and we’ve got to keep in mind Mitchell Robinson’s health; he wasn’t fully fit last year. Towns is clearly a pivotal addition,” noted Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton.
This was evident during the regular season, and the Knicks are hopeful that the playoff momentum will carry forward.
