Karl-Anthony Towns’ defense frustrated Knicks

Throughout the season, New York Knicks coaches and players grew increasingly frustrated with Karl-Anthony Towns’ defensive habits, according to James L. Edwards and Fred Katz of The Athletic.

The concerns centered not only on Towns’ defensive technique but also on his decision-making and communication during games.

Sources reveal that Towns often struggled with his defensive process, frequently executing incorrect coverages without explaining his reasoning to teammates or coaches.

This lack of communication created confusion on the court and undermined the team’s overall defensive cohesion.

Additionally, many within the Knicks organization worried that Towns did not fully grasp the significance of these defensive lapses or the impact they had on the team’s performance.

This perception added to the growing tension and frustration surrounding his role on defense.

Amid these challenges, the Knicks sought to address internal issues by holding several players-only meetings during their playoff run, attempting to foster unity and accountability away from the coaching staff.

Following the Knicks’ season-ending defeat in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference Finals, star guard Jalen Brunson expressed optimism for the future, emphasizing his desire to keep the team’s core intact heading into the next season.