CHICAGO — For months, deciphering Karl-Anthony Towns’ season has felt like a frustrating puzzle. The New York Knicks’ All-Star has navigated a rollercoaster of inconsistency, struggling to find his footing in a new system. But in late February, a shift appears to be underway, with Towns displaying his most consistent scoring stretch since early December.
Towns, who scored 28 points in a hard-fought 105-99 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Sunday night, is rediscovering his offensive touch. This resurgence comes at a crucial time for the Knicks, as they aim to solidify their position in the Eastern Conference playoff picture. The key to his recent success? Simply making shots, according to those around him.
“When anyone sees the ball go through the hoop, it gives a level of confidence and makes you feel like you can do anything on the court,” said Jalen Brunson. “Then you shot-fake, they bite, and then you’re able to make plays for yourself or others. For (Towns), it’s a great sign. He’s sticking with it. That’s who he is.”
Towns’ season has been marked by a dip in his usual scoring efficiency. Although, he’s recently found his rhythm, hitting nine of his last 16 3-point attempts. This improved perimeter shooting has also correlated with better finishing around the rim, an area where he had been struggling in his 11th NBA season.
Adjusting to a New System
The Knicks’ first-year head coach, Mike Brown, has implemented a read-and-react offensive system, a departure from the more structured approach of last season, when Towns was named Third Team All-NBA. While some have pointed to the new system as a source of Towns’ early-season struggles, Brown isn’t solely to blame. Before Saturday’s win against Houston, Towns was shooting a career-low 36.5 percent on wide-open 3-pointers (two attempts per game) and 34.8 percent on open 3s (2.2 attempts per game), according to data analyzed by the team.
Brown also can’t directly improve Towns’ efficiency around the basket, where the veteran is shooting a career-worst 61 percent. Towns himself bears responsibility for areas like limiting offensive fouls, in which he currently leads the NBA.
As Brunson noted, confidence is key. When shots fall, the game seems to slow down, and better decisions are made. For the past three games, Towns has experienced this positive feedback loop, and the Knicks’ offense has benefited as a result.
Finding the Right Balance
While Brown’s system emphasizes ball movement and player reads, it’s crucial to ensure Towns remains involved. The Knicks’ coach has designed plays for Towns, but the big man hasn’t always capitalized on those opportunities. Increasing the number of plays specifically designed for Towns could help him feel more integrated into the offense.
“Whenever you’re making shots or getting plays called for you, you feel more involved, you feel more in the flow of the game,” said Josh Hart. “Sometimes, for a player, that’s all you really need to get back on track. He gave us a lot of energy today and yesterday by making shots, but also defensively he brought it yesterday.”
Towns is currently averaging a career-low in shot attempts, which has been a source of frustration for some fans. However, the Knicks boast a deep and talented roster, with players like Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Landry Shamet also requiring offensive opportunities. Brunson, the team’s primary scorer, also commands a significant share of the shot attempts.
The Knicks’ offensive philosophy prioritizes paint touches and 3-point shooting, aiming to create a dynamic and unpredictable attack. In this system, the ball is designed to gravitate towards the open player, ensuring that different players have opportunities to contribute on different nights. Brown was brought in to facilitate this approach, a significant shift from the team’s strategy last season.
“I’ve said this before, Jalen had four shots in the first half (the other night), and he’s our best player,” Brown explained. “There have been other halves when he doesn’t have as many shots, but, at the end of the day, he’s getting the most field-goal attempts. (Towns) is our second-best player, and if you go look at the cumulative stats, he’s getting the second-most field-goal attempts. He’s the second-leading scorer. He’s an All-Star. He’s going to have halves like that and nights like that, but if it averages out to where he’s second in those categories and an All-Star … he’s having a pretty excellent year.”
Brown added that adjustments in player minutes and roles have naturally impacted shot distribution. With Mitchell Robinson playing more consistently and Jose Alvarado joining the team, minutes have been redistributed, affecting field-goal attempts across the board.
What’s Next for Towns and the Knicks?
The recent version of Towns, one that is consistently finding the bottom of the net, is the player Knicks fans have come to expect. The same system, the same coach, and the same teammates are in place – the difference lies in his shot-making ability. If this recent surge is a sign of things to come, the Knicks will be well-positioned to make a strong push in the Eastern Conference.
The Knicks will need Towns to maintain this level of play as they navigate the remainder of the regular season and prepare for the playoffs. His ability to stretch the floor and create scoring opportunities will be critical to their success. The team’s upcoming schedule features several key matchups against Eastern Conference contenders, providing ample opportunities to test their progress.
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