Kyrie Irving has publicly defended Karl-Anthony Towns after the New York Knicks center faced heavy online criticism following their 2025 Eastern Conference Finals loss.
During a Twitch stream, Irving addressed trolls targeting Towns, calling him “my brother” and saying, “I protect him.” The Dallas guard acknowledged occasional disagreements but insisted Towns deserves respect.
Towns was widely criticized for his defensive struggles in the playoffs, with some clips mocking his demeanor, labeling him “zesty.” These moments sparked a wave of negative comments on social media.
Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas also weighed in, criticizing Towns’ defensive ability on a recent Gil’s Arena segment. Arenas said Towns’ body type limits his defensive effectiveness, especially in pick-and-roll situations.
Despite the defensive concerns, Towns posted strong offensive numbers in the 2024-25 season, averaging 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds across 72 regular-season games with the Knicks. He also earned Eastern Conference Player of the Month honors in December.
In the playoffs, Towns maintained solid production, averaging 21.4 points and 11.6 rebounds over 18 games and helping New York reach the conference finals for the first time since 2000.
Still, reports emerged within the Knicks’ organization expressing frustration with Towns’ defensive communication and execution, suggesting these issues contributed to their postseason exit.
Irving’s support highlights the bond between the two longtime friends and fellow New Jersey natives. Irving is currently sidelined with an ACL injury but remains vocal in backing Towns during a difficult stretch.
The Knicks finished the 2024-25 regular season with a 51-31 record, securing the third seed in the Eastern Conference. The team’s deep playoff run ended with the loss to the Indiana Pacers in the conference finals.
