Karl-anthony Towns Dominates Again As Hawks Have No Answer For Knicks’ Adjustment

The Hawks don’t have an answer for Karl-Anthony Towns, and the Knicks are making sure to exploit that mismatch. 

Early in the series, they weren’t going to Towns nearly enough. Over the past two games, that has changed, and now the Knicks are within one win of advancing past the first round of the playoffs for the fourth consecutive year. 

Towns was again terrific, a dominant force as the Knicks crushed Atlanta 126-97 in a one-sided Game 5. They ran offense through the big man, and the Hawks couldn’t stop him. Three days after notching the first playoff triple-double of his career, Towns produced 16 points, 14 rebounds and six assists, keying the easy victory. 

In the last two games, he has 16 assists. 

“I feel like passing’s been my thing since I came into the league. Sometimes the scoring gets more noticed than the passing,” Towns said. “But I’m glad I have the opportunity to show what I can do, passing-wise. I’ve just got to continue to stay disciplined, continue to make the right play, regardless if it’s the scoring play or the hockey assist.” 

Atlanta tried to use quickness on Towns, going with long and athletic guard Dyson Daniels on him, but Towns overpowered him and passed over the top.

Towns was particularly effective in the first half, notching 14 points, eight rebounds and four assists, as the Knicks built a 14-point lead. 

There has been a clear change in the Knicks’ offense the last two games. They have featured Towns more and let Jalen Brunson play off the ball. Coincidentally or not, the captain had his best game of the series in Game 5, scoring 39 points on 15-for-23 shooting. 

“I’m always just thinking about impacting winning. As long as I can do that every single day I step on the court, I just think about that,” Towns said. “How can I help my teammates be the best version of themselves with my game, and do whatever it takes to help our team be in a position to win. As long as I do that every single night, I’m happy with the man I see in the mirror.” 

“He’s been one of the best point guards and players in the NBA, so I don’t know if I was the reason for that,” Towns said. “When I watch the tape, and hopefully I can come back [Wednesday] when we watch the film and say I helped him be who he’s always been.”