Karl-Anthony Towns credited trust, role acceptance, and late-game execution after the New York Knicks’ 112-106 win over the Boston Celtics at Madison Square Garden.
The Knicks forward emphasized Josh Hart’s late-game shot-making as Boston repeatedly left him space on the perimeter.
“The first one was special because he had a wide open one and then turned that one down and shot that contested three and made that one too,” Towns said.
Towns detailed how Hart’s confidence changed the final possession sequence in the fourth quarter.
“He felt good after the first one. No hesitation shot. The second one made it,” Towns said. “He’s a special player. He does so much for our team that doesn’t show on the stats on the sheet.”
He also stressed how New York’s late-game decision-making is built on trust across multiple options.
“We’ve leaned on each other and trusted each other,” Towns said. “No situation has been very good for the team. So shout out to JB and shout out to the guys on the team who are trusting us in those situations.”
Towns linked the Knicks’ improved offensive rhythm to Jalen Brunson’s increased playmaking output in recent games.
“Just trusting us and trusting that we could make the job easier for him,” he said. “He’s done a great job of utilizing us. And we’ve done a great job of making the most of those opportunities.”
The big man pointed to consistency as the foundation of his own role evolution this season.
“Just trying to be stellar in my role,” Towns said. “Whatever my role may be, just trying to do the best I can with the opportunities I’m given.”
He added that adaptation has been a major factor in New York’s offensive structure.
“I’ve had to change my game the most of anybody,” Towns said. “And I am glad that I’ve been able to be successful in it.”
Towns also described the relationship with Brunson as built on communication and shared objectives within the Knicks system.
“We always had a great relationship,” he said. “The ability for us to have open and honest communication has been great for us.”
He expanded on the structure of that connection between the two primary creators.
“I think what’s great about our relationship is that we both know we’re here to help each other,” Towns said. “All I want to do is maximize his ability. He understands that I’m here to help this whole team win.”
Towns explained that his offensive rebounding has become a defining part of his impact.
“I had to go be a monster on those offensive rebounds,” he said. “That’s why we get a lot of shots. I’ve just been doing a great job of getting big time rebounds.”
When asked about standings pressure in the Eastern Conference race, Towns dismissed external focus.
“No, a big win,” he said. “I really don’t. I feel like that’s fool’s gold trying to pick and choose your spot in the standings.”
He reinforced that approach by emphasizing consistency over matchup selection.
“I just understand not to change your game sometimes to be the best for the team,” Towns said. “And I’ve had to change my game the most of anybody.”
The Knicks improved to 52-28, remaining in strong position in the Eastern Conference standings with two games left in the regular season.
