Karl-Anthony Towns spent the final 9:24 of the fourth quarter on the bench Sunday, a decision that raised eyebrows but ultimately paid off for the New York Knicks.
As Stefan Bondy of The New York Post reported, head coach Mike Brown chose to stay with a lineup that had found momentum, and New York responded by outscoring Portland 31–20 down the stretch.
During that closing run, the Knicks alternated between lineups featuring Mitchell Robinson at center and smaller configurations that emphasized mobility and defensive activity.
Brown framed the move as situational rather than reflective of Towns’ standing, explaining that the decision was rooted in what was working at that moment.
Towns has been open about the difficulty of adjusting to a new coaching voice and system, especially after years of operating with a different set of expectations.
Brown acknowledged that learning curve and stressed that the responsibility doesn’t fall solely on the player.
“I’ve said this before: It’s not all on KAT to adjust to and adapt to what we have to do,” the coach said.
Brown added that Towns’ role requires the most adaptation, which naturally makes the process more demanding.
“He’s had the hardest adjustment period because he’s had to learn the most,” he explained.
At the same time, he emphasized his own role in easing that transition.
“I have to make sure that I help him by simplifying what we do and making sure I’m putting him in the right spots,” Brown said, before noting that Towns also has to meet those efforts halfway.
Knicks Notes: Hart, Towns, Kolek, NBA Finals Chances https://t.co/ionT3PSjLx pic.twitter.com/lP6iS2oPo0
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) January 12, 2026
