Karl-Anthony Towns was surprisingly benched for much of the critical fourth quarter in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals as the New York Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers. This decision came during a tense moment on Friday night when the Knicks aimed to avoid falling behind 2-0 at home, but ultimately lost by a slim margin, with Towns absent for much of the final stretch.
Although Towns contributed 20 points earlier in the game, he did not return to the court until the last minutes of the quarter. The Knicks’ head coach, Tom Thibodeau, cited Indiana’s tactical “Hack-a-Mitch” strategy targeting backup center Mitchell Robinson as a key factor in his rotation choices, reflecting concerns about the team’s performance in the game’s closing moments.
Explaining Towns’ Bench Time in Crunch Moments
When questioned postgame about Towns’ limited minutes late in the contest, Thibodeau stated,
“We got in a hole. And then the group that was in there gave us a chance,”
followed by
“So we were just riding (that lineup). We’re searching for a win.”
These remarks suggest that the coach trusted the lineup on the floor to stay competitive, even without the star center’s presence.
Throughout the 2024-25 season, Karl-Anthony Towns has been a key offensive weapon for New York, averaging 24.4 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 3.1 assists per game, while boasting a remarkable 42% shooting clip from beyond the arc. Given his scoring prowess and consistent production, his absence during critical moments raises questions about the team’s strategic approach.
Concerns About Defensive Trust and Rotation Choices
Towns’ benching late in the game signals a lack of confidence from the coaching staff in his defensive abilities, especially when compared to Mitchell Robinson, who has the trust of Tom Thibodeau despite offensive limitations. Robinson is primarily effective with dunks and putbacks, but his defense is what keeps him in the rotation during key stretches.
The Knicks’ defensive struggles in the series have been evident, with the Pacers frequently exploiting Towns’ defensive shortcomings. This vulnerability has forced the Knicks to consider benching him in clutch moments if defensive stops are prioritized. The past friction between Thibodeau and Towns during their time with the Timberwolves may also influence the coach’s decisions.
What This Means for the Knicks’ Playoff Outlook
With the Eastern Conference Finals progressing, the Knicks face a difficult balancing act between maximizing offense and shoring up defense. Towns’ limited trust in late-game situations could impact New York’s ability to close out tight contests. Unless Towns improves defensively, he risks more reduced minutes during crucial moments in this series.
As the series heads to Indiana, the Knicks must adjust their game plan to overcome the Pacers’ targeted attacks and find a way to fully utilize their offensive star’s talents without sacrificing defensive stability. How the Knicks manage Towns’ role in upcoming games could be decisive for their playoff hopes.