The New York Knicks, fresh off their NBA Cup Championship victory, have stumbled in their recent games, posting a disappointing 5-5 record that includes three consecutive losses against the San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks, and Philadelphia 76ers. This downturn in performance highlights significant struggles on both ends of the court, raising concerns about the team’s championship aspirations.
In their last ten games, the Knicks have ranked 25th in defensive rating, putting them in the company of teams like the Charlotte Hornets and Utah Jazz. While it’s clear that the issues are widespread, Karl-Anthony Towns has emerged as a focal point of disappointment in what is proving to be one of the toughest seasons of his 11-year career. Towns, once seen as a transformative player for the Knicks, has underperformed significantly.
Currently averaging 22 points per game, Towns’ shooting stats reveal his challenges: he’s hitting just 47.3% from the field, a career low; his 35.4% from three-point range marks the lowest since his rookie season; and his true shooting percentage of 61.1% is also his lowest to date. Towns came to New York with a reputation as one of the best shooting big men in NBA history, often lauded for his ability to stretch the floor. However, this season has seen his three-point shooting completely falter.
Cleaning The Glass stats further illustrate Towns’ struggles, with him ranking in the 24th percentile in effective field goal percentage among bigs and the 21st percentile in two-point shooting. Alarmingly, he currently sits in the 47th percentile for three-point shooting, a stat that starkly contrasts with his historical performance.
Defensively, Towns’ issues are compounded by his ranking as the sixth highest in personal fouls per game, which limits his effectiveness on the court. According to Basketball Index, he receives a D- for overall shot quality and an F for three-point quality, indicating he frequently attempts difficult shots rather than taking advantage of better looks.
With an annual salary of approximately $53 million, accounting for nearly 35% of the team’s salary cap, the Knicks urgently require Towns to return to his previously elite performance level. Without an uptick in his defensive prowess and offensive efficiency, questions will inevitably arise regarding his fit within the team’s starting lineup.
For the Knicks to aim for their first NBA championship since the 1970s, there’s no doubt that Towns must elevate his game across the board. Yet, there remains hope that the perennial All-Star and one of basketball’s most dynamic offensive players can find his form and help steer his team back to success.