The New York Knicks are one series away from reaching the NBA Finals. This stage has proven elusive since 1999, but a chance to win a championship is on the cards.
A major reason for their postseason surge traces back to a pivotal adjustment in the first round against the Atlanta Hawks, one initiated by Karl-Anthony Towns himself.
According to the New York Postâs Jared Schwartz, the Knicks decided on a significant role change for Towns after he took matters into his own hands by directly approaching the coaching staff.
âYouâre down 2-1, obviously itâs not the end of the world but you guys understand the importance of the next game. ⦠You go in there and say how you feel, your feelings, your idea, and see if itâs received. And it was received,â Towns said.
With the Knicks trailing 2-1 against the Hawks, Towns approached the coaching staff with ideas for a crucial change in his role. The center wanted to be more of a facilitator and make the offense flow through him as a playmaker. Coach Mike Brown and the staff didnât see it as an ego thing but rather welcomed the idea.
Star Big Man Emerges as Knicksâ Secret Weapon
Since Towns suggested his role change, the Knicks won the next three games against the Hawks followed by sweeping the Philadelphia 76ers in the second round. They enter the Eastern Conference finals as one of the most informed teams.Â
Towns have thrived in the new adjustment and it may get better. As a facilitator, he is now averaging 6.6 assists per game in the playoffs. Before this year, the 30-year-old center had never averaged even 3 assists per game in any previous playoff run.
GettyKarl-Anthony Towns #32, Miles McBride #2 and Jose Alvarado #5 of the New York Knicks.
In Game 4 of the first round, just a game after Towns went and suggested his new role, he recorded a playoff career-high 10 assists. He has since had two more games with at least 10 assists in the playoffs.Â
This version of Towns has opened up a lot of offensive spacing for the Knicks, one that the likes of Jalen Brunson have thrived in. The Knicksâ cornerstone has had three 30+ games ever since Towns started his new facilitator role.Â
Towns joined the Knicks in 2024 in a blockbuster 3-team trade that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves. He was brought in to accelerate the Knicksâ title window and back-to-back conference finals is a decent justification.Â
This yearâs postseason has shown that Towns can adjust which is what is needed in every championship superstar. The Knicks will hope it carries on into the remainder of the playoffs.
New York Aiming High as Pressure Mounts
GettyNew York Knicks head coach Mike Brown yells at his team. (Photo by Evan Bernstein/Getty Images)
The Knicks await the conclusion of the series between the Cleveland Cavaliers and Detroit Pistons. One of these franchises will be their opponent in the conference finals.Â
New York will be the favorite, having reached this stage recently, over those two other franchises. However, it fell at this stage last year to a less-favored team.Â
Since 1999, the Knicks have endured long stretches without deep playoff success. Reaching the conference finals in consecutive years is a step towards correcting that historical failure. However, they will need to cross the finish line this year.
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