For over a decade, Karl-Anthony Towns’ talent has been evident, yet his impact on winning remained questionable. Despite his ability to score from distance, attack the rim, and rebound effectively, something seemed amiss.
Critics often pointed to his defence, an area where he struggled with cheap fouls and conceding points. However, a recent offensive adjustment has shifted the balance in his favour.
Towns’ Playmaking Emergence
Towns has historically been a capable passer, but never a central playmaker. He has now taken on the role of initiator, dissecting defenses from the high post.
In the 2026 playoffs, Towns is averaging 6.1 assists, which is more than double his regular season average. His ability to pass over defenses and make high-pressure decisions has also benefited Jalen Brunson.
The guard is shooting almost 49% from the field, a direct result of more selective shot selection and being set up more often. Of Brunson’s 3-pointers this postseason, 62.1% have been assisted, up from 55.9% in the regular season.
Sacrificing Shots for Team Success
Towns has sacrificed his own shot attempts in favour of his new playmaking role. He’s taking just 9.8 shots per game in these playoffs, compared to 15.8 last year in the postseason.
So far, it’s proving effective, as the Knicks hold a 3-0 lead over the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference finals. No team has come back from down 3-0 in any best-of-seven NBA series.
The Road Ahead
Whether the Knicks face the San Antonio Spurs or Oklahoma City Thunder in the league’s last series of the season, Towns must be ready to increase his own offensive output if necessary.
He remains one of the best big-man 3-point shooters of all-time, and his career 22.8 scoring average has historically been attached to strong scoring efficiency. Towns can’t rely solely on playmaking; he must assert himself offensively against their Western Conference opponent.