The New York Knicks enter the Eastern Conference Finals on a seven-game playoff winning streak after sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers, and Karl-Anthony Towns has emerged as one of the team’s central playmakers during the run. While Jalen Brunson continues leading the offense, Towns’ evolving role has helped New York become one of the most balanced teams left in the postseason.
The Knicks are now awaiting the winner of the Cleveland Cavaliers-Detroit Pistons series, while also hoping to have OG Anunoby back healthy after his hamstring injury. Amid the team’s recent success, Towns opened up about the support system helping him through the postseason, including his fiancée, Jordyn Woods.
Karl-Anthony Towns Praises Jordyn Woods During New York Knicks Playoff Run
Towns shared a heartfelt admission about Woods while discussing life away from the court during New York’s playoff push.
“Well, she loves watching basketball a lot,” Towns said. “So it’s always something even when I’m like not thinking about it, maybe I’m thinking of talking to my family, my niece, my nephew, whatever. She has the game on and she’s constantly updating me on what’s happening.”
Towns added that Woods has developed a deeper understanding of the game throughout their relationship.
“Or she knows ball now after all these years together,” he said. “She’s talking about flex screens and UCLA cuts and stuff like that.”
The comments came as Towns continues playing one of the most unique roles of his career. Since the Knicks fell behind 2-1 against the Atlanta Hawks in the first round, New York has transformed its offense around the All-Star big man’s passing and facilitation.
According to Second Spectrum, Towns has averaged 99 touches per 100 possessions since Game 4 against Atlanta. Against Philadelphia, that number climbed to 103 after sitting at 83 during the regular season.
Over the Knicks’ seven-game winning streak, Towns is averaging 15.7 points, 9.6 rebounds, and eight assists while functioning as a primary offensive hub in Mike Brown’s system.
The Knicks have leaned heavily into actions featuring Towns at the high post, where he has become a consistent playmaker for cutters like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby. His assist production has surged during the postseason, with Towns averaging 11 assists per 36 minutes over the streak.
Karl-Anthony Towns Explains What Changed for Knicks After Atlanta Hawks Series
GettyNew York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns
Towns also reflected on the conversations that helped spark New York’s turnaround after falling behind Atlanta earlier in the playoffs.
“I mean, you know, you’re down 2-1,” Towns said. “Obviously, it’s not the end of the world, but it’s, you know, you guys understand the importance of the next game.”
He added that the Knicks approached the situation with urgency despite the series deficit.
“Every game is just, it should be acting like we’re down 2-1, no matter if we’re up 3-0,” Towns said. “So, you know, you go in there, you say how you feel, your feelings, your idea, and see if it’s received, and it was received.”
The Knicks have not lost since those adjustments.
New York swept the 76ers in the Eastern Conference Semifinals and now owns an NBA-record plus-185 scoring differential during its seven-game playoff winning streak.
Towns also spoke about the importance of using the current break between series to recover physically and mentally before the conference finals begin.
“So I’m glad that we’re not talking about a 2-1,” Towns said. “We’re talking about us getting ready for the next opponent and having this time to see our families, rejuvenate our minds, our soul, and get ready for the next challenge.”
Towns has also credited preparation and conditioning for his playoff durability.
“I believe luck is not given, it’s earned,” he said. “I’ve earned my luck. I’ve put the work in outside of the basketball court…that keeps me healthy and feeling good.”
Meanwhile, the Knicks received another positive development this week, with OG Anunoby returning as a full participant in practice. Head coach Mike Brown indicated Anunoby is trending toward being available for Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals after missing Games 3 and 4 against Philadelphia with a hamstring injury.
With Towns thriving as a facilitator, Brunson continuing his All-NBA form, and Anunoby nearing a return, the Knicks head into the next round carrying significant momentum.
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