Karl-Anthony Towns plays through thumb injury

Photo: Peter Baba

New York Knicks big man Karl-Anthony Towns remained tight-lipped about the right thumb injury that has been troubling him, offering little insight when questioned by reporters.

During the postgame media session, Towns kept his injured right hand concealed in his jacket pocket, a gesture that underscored his reluctance to delve into specifics.

When pressed for details, he responded with the same phrase repeatedly, stating, “It is what it is,” a total of four times, signaling his unwillingness to elaborate on the condition affecting his shooting hand.

The injury appeared to visibly affect the center throughout the Knicks’ disappointing home loss to the Detroit Pistons on Monday night. In the first half, he banged his right hand and thumb against the backboard, an incident that seemed to aggravate the injury.

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Later in the game, during a hard drive to the basket, he was fouled and once again clutched his right thumb in clear discomfort. Despite these setbacks, Towns demonstrated remarkable resilience by continuing to play through the pain.

Even with the injury hindering him, Towns turned in a commendable performance, registering 26 points and 12 rebounds in a valiant effort.

His determination to stay on the court and contribute to the team’s effort is evident, but the recurring nature of the injury and its impact on his shooting hand raises concerns about its long-term implications.

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Towns has spent 10 seasons with the Timberwolves and Knicks, consistently showcasing his skill and versatility. Over 611 regular-season games, he has averaged 23.1 points, 11.0 rebounds, and 3.2 assists per game.

His standout performances have earned him four All-Star selections, and he was also named Rookie of the Year early in his career, marking the beginning of a successful and impactful NBA journey.

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