Karl-Anthony Towns Explains Changing Out of Eagles Outfit During Knicks vs. 76ers
Jan 16, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 15: Landry Shamet #44 and Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks look on during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 15, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
NBA fans were confused Wednesday to see Karl-Anthony Towns, who was sitting out of the New York Knicks matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers due to a sprained thumb, change out of Philadelphia Eagles gear at halftime.
The star center was rocking an Eagles sweatshirt on the bench but emerged from the locker room wearing a Knicks jacket.
While fans of New York sports would like to believe he changed clothes out of respect for the Eagles' divisional rival New York Giants, that wasn't the case. Towns explained on social media that he had sweat stains and didn't want them to be seen by the camera.
"Sweat stains ain't it on ESPN," Towns wrote. "Had to pull another fit out!"
Aye twitter,
Sweat stains ain’t it on ESPN. Had to pull another fit out!
It seems like Towns isn't giving up his Eagles fandom anytime soon, even if it rubs New York fans the wrong way. Perhaps he can make it up to them by leading the Knicks to a championship.
Jalen Brunson, Knicks Praised by Fans in OT Win vs. 76ers amid Embiid, Towns Injuries
Jan 16, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PA - JANUARY 15: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks drives to the basket during the game against the Philadelphia 76ers on January 15, 2025 at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by David Dow/NBAE via Getty Images)
Even with star center Karl-Anthony Towns sidelined, the New York Knicks handled business on the road, dropping the Philadelphia 76ers in overtime 125-119 on Wednesday.
Towns missed Wednesday's game after tests revealed he had a bone chip along with a sprained thumb. He luckily won't need surgery, per the New York Post's Stefan Bondy, but he couldn't play against the 76ers due to swelling from the sprain.
The 76ers were dealing with a key injury of their own as star Joel Embiid missed another game due to a foot sprain.
With no Towns, Jalen Brunson carried the load for New York, putting up 38 points on an efficient 14-of-22 from the field. The star scored eight points in overtime to help the Knicks close things out. Mikal Bridges added 23 and Josh Hart was his usual productive self, logging a triple-double with 10 points, 17 boards and 12 assists.
After the win, fans praised the Knicks for getting it done without Towns.
With the gritty win, the Knicks improved to 27-15 on the year and remained in third place in the Eastern Conference. While New York would have liked to have left Philadelphia with a more comfortable win, playing in tough games will only help them down the stretch.
As for the Sixers, they dropped to 15-24 on the year as their struggles continued. While there's still plenty of season left, Philadelphia will need to get things going soon to keep its playoff hopes alive.
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - JANUARY 10: Jonas Valanciunas #17 of the Washington Wizards looks on against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at the United Center on January 10, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
The New York Knicks have now been linked to Washington Wizards big man Jonas Valančiūnas, with SNY's Ian Begley providing a report Tuesday.
The Knicks hold "solid belief" that Mitchell Robinson will return to the court around early February, says @IanBegley
Jonas Valanciunas is a name to keep an eye on if the Knicks elect to move on from Robinson
Valančiūnas has averaged 11.6 points on 55.8 percent shooting and 8.1 rebounds in 19.8 minutes per game this season for the Washington Wizards. The 32-year-old signed a three-year, $30.3 million contract in July.
The report drops amid the Lakers' continued reported interest in Valančiūnas.
Michael A. Scotto of HoopsHype reported on Dec. 31 that "the Lakers will continue to try and acquire Wizards center Jonas Valančiūnas or another backup center on the trade market with their remaining future second-round draft capital, and Gabe Vincent is expected to be dangled in talks as well, league sources told HoopsHype."
Begley connected the 13-year NBA veteran and the Knicks amid New York waiting for the return of big man Mitchell Robinson, who has been out since last year's playoffs. The 26-year-old had ankle procedures in December 2023 and May 2024.
In 31 games last year (21 starts), Robinson averaged 5.6 points, 8.5 rebounds, 1.2 steals and 1.1 blocks over 24.8 minutes.
New York could use more frontcourt depth behind superstar big man Karl-Anthony Towns, so Robinson would be a welcome sight if he does in fact return in early February, which the team has "solid belief" will happen, per Begley.
There have been some trade rumblings, though. Begley reported this on Jan. 3.
"Several teams have been inquiring about Robinson's health. So that tells you that teams would have interest in trading for Robinson if they knew he was going to be healthy. When healthy, Robinson is one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA. The 26-year-old is under contract through next season. So it makes sense that he would have trade strong trade value if healthy.
"But the three teams I've talked to recently didn't have clarity on Robinson's health."
Robinson has one year left on his deal ($12.9 million) before becoming a free agent in 2026. That contract would certainly be palatable for other teams to take on, and he's an impressive rebounder and defender as well.
Of course, the Knicks could use more help, though, particularly on defense. New York sits third in the Eastern Conference, but the team is just 17th in defensive efficiency, per Basketball-Reference.
Ultimately, the Knicks should be getting some reinforcements down low in early February, whether it's via Robinson returning or the team acquiring a big man (perhaps Valančiūnas) by the Feb. 6 trade deadline.
Josh Hart on Pistons Loss: Knicks 'Losing Games I Feel Like We Shouldn't Be Losing''
Jan 14, 2025
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 13: Cade Cunningham #2 of the Detroit Pistons is defended by Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks during the third quarter of the game at Madison Square Garden on January 13, 2025 in New York City. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Dustin Satloff/Getty Images)
Following Monday night's 124-119 loss to the Detroit Pistons at Madison Square Garden, the New York Knicks' recent inconsistencies are becoming a concern for their veteran players.
"We're losing games I feel like we shouldn't be losing," Knicks wing Josh Hart said after the loss, per ESPN's Chris Herring. "We've got to start figuring it out. We're halfway through. There's nothing we can do about the first half now. But if we want to be the team we're trying to be at the end of the season, we need to start correcting stuff now."
At 26-15, New York still ranks third in the Eastern Conference, and Herring noted that it's the best record the team has posted at the halfway mark in any of the last five years under head coach Tom Thibodeau. However, the Knicks have lost five of their last seven outings, with three of those losses coming in front of their home fans at MSG.
New York has typically been known as a grind-it-out team that wins with its defense under Thibodeau. This year's squad hasn't lived up to that reputation, as the Knicks have been involved in back-and-forth shootouts that sometimes don't work out in their favor.
Against Detroit, New York allowed star guard Cade Cunningham to score 29 of his 36 points in the second half. The Pistons shot 50.0 percent from the field and 44.1 percent from three-point range.
"Defensively, we've got to be better," Hart said. "We've just got to be better there."
The Knicks will try to bounce back when they visit the Philadelphia 76ers (15-22) on Wednesday.
NBA Trade Rumors: Knicks Shopping Jericho Sims Ahead of Deadline; Seek 2nd-Round Pick
Jan 14, 2025
NEW YORK, NY - DECEMBER 23: Jericho Sims #20 of the New York Knicks shoots a free throw during the game against the Toronto Raptors on December 23, 2024 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The New York Knicks are shopping around Jericho Sims ahead of the Feb. 6 NBA trade deadline, NBA sources told the New York Post'sStefan Bondy.
Bondy added that the team has asked for a second-round draft pick.
Sims was recently removed from the Knicks' rotation and was listed as inactive ahead of the Knicks' Monday game against Detroit.
Sims is among the team's longest-tenured players but is now on a game-to-game basis, according to head coach Tom Thibodeau, per Bondy.
Sims, a former second-round pick in 2021, is averaging 1.7 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 11.6 minutes per game. He has earned three starts this season, stepping in for an injured Karl-Anthony Towns.
The 26-year-old will be tough to sell to teams now that he is out of the rotation, and he will become a free agent this summer. He is in the final year of his three-year, $5.7 million contract with the Knicks.
The Knicks are operating above the first apron and are unable to take back more salary than they are sending out, with Sims' remaining $2.1 million expiring deal.
With the looming return of fellow center Mitchell Robinson in the next few weeks, who is recovering from offseason ankle surgery, Sims could see his playing time suffer significantly.
Sims started on Jan. 6 against the Orlando Magic as Towns nursed knee soreness, logging 29 minutes, four points, and 10 rebounds in the 103-94 loss. The next game against the Toronto Raptors, he played four minutes with one rebound and then was the only DNP in the team's last two games.
A potential suitor for Sims could be the Los Angeles Lakers who have openly been searching for a center to back up Anthony Davis and Lebron James all season.
Dating back to October, Shams Charania has pointed out the frontcourt missing link in Los Angeles.
"The Lakers have been exploring potentially adding a big man, a center to their roster, Shams said."
Jalen Brunson, Knicks Criticized By NBA Fans in Blowout Loss vs. SGA, Thunder
Jan 11, 2025
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 10: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on January 10, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
The Oklahoma City Thunder dominated the New York Knicks on Friday night, winning at Madison Square Garden by the final score of 126-101.
The Thunder jumped out to a 31-17 lead at the end of the first quarter and didn't look back, maintaining a double-digit advantage for the remainder of the contest. Oklahoma City led by as many as 30 points.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander was sharp on both ends of the floor, finishing with 39 points and three rebounds to go along with two steals in 29 minutes. He shot 15-21 from the field, hitting his only three-point attempt of the game.
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson led the way with 27 points and five assists on 7-15 shooting. Karl-Anthony Towns scored 23 points and pulled down 10 rebounds, but Josh Hart was the only other member of New York's rotation to finish with more than 11 points.
Knicks getting smacked and backhanded by the Thunder -- double smacked -- and it's the first time this season you can sense the crowd turning on the team.
Shooting issues have become apparent for New York, entering Friday's matchup with a 32.1 three-point percentage in the team's previous 10 games (via NBA.com).
The Knicks hit a mere four of their 31 attempts from behind the arc against Oklahoma City.
Friday's loss dropped New York to 25-14, while the Thunder improved to 31-6 and now hold a six-game lead for the No. 1 spot in the Western Conference standings.
OG Anunoby Impresses NBA Fans vs. Former Team as KAT, Knicks Beat Barrett, Raptors
Jan 9, 2025
NEW YORK, NY - JANUARY 8: OG Anunoby #8 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Toronto Raptors on January 8, 2025 at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
Karl-Anthony Towns and OG Anunoby each scored 27 points to lead the New York Knicks to a 112-98 home win over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday.
Towns returned from a one-game absence (right knee injury) to co-lead the team in scoring while adding 13 rebounds, three steals and two blocks.
Meanwhile, this was a huge game for Anunoby, who played in Toronto for six-plus seasons before being traded to New York on Dec. 30, 2023 along with Precious Achiuwa and Malachi Flynn for R.J. Barrett, Immanuel Quickley and a 2024 second-round draft pick.
Anunoby had struggled over the Knicks' last two games, scoring just 21 total points on 9-of-23 shooting (2-of-9 from three).
He was sensational Wednesday, though, hitting 8-of-13 shots (4-of-6 from three) while making 7-of-8 free throws.
Anunoby authored one of the game's top plays, stealing the ball from Barrett and hitting a three on the other end to give New York a 66-58 third-quarter lead.
He also helped turned this game into a rout into the fourth quarter, which began with New York leading 86-76. The Knicks eventually took a 112-86 advantage, with Anunoby adding four points, including this dunk:
The final score was a bit misleading, as Toronto went on a 12-0 run in the final two minutes after both teams subbed out their starters.
But this was a big win for the Knicks, who recently hit a rough patch after losing three straight. This was a great get-right victory, though, to move the team to 25-13. The Knicks are also now 8-2 when Anunoby scores 22 or more points.
Fans noted Anunoby's great outing against his ex-team.
Play of the game was OG stripping RJ on the drive midway through the 3rd and then sinking a 3 on the other end as RJ trudged back. Turned the game mentally. OG Anunoby all star performance. @JCMacriNBA@KnickFilmSkool
Great bounce back win by the Knicks. Very efficient games by OG and KAT. Let’s keep it going against OKC on Friday. We can win that one esp if Deuce is available.
I ain't gonna front, in the beginning I thought KAT should of jus sat this one out, wasn't looking right..but he gave it a go and then some. OG again goes in on his former squad. Good seeing IQ back on the court 🫡, but we back in the W column. #Knicks@nyknicks 🫡🧡💙
Needed him back bad. When Og plays well we rarely lose. Just needs to find some level of consistency where he’s not scoring 5 points some games. #knickshttps://t.co/hWt0CCu0tW
Very strong end of third quarter into the fourth win this for the Knicks. A win they needed to stop the minor skid. Karl, Josh and OG especially were strong. Good contributions from Precious and Shamet. Takes the whole group
The Knicks will now host the 30-6 Oklahoma City Thunder on Friday. OKC had won 15 straight before losing to the 32-4 Cleveland Cavaliers by a 129-122 score on Wednesday.
Jalen Brunson, Knicks Called Out By NBA Fans for Blowing Lead in Loss to SGA, Thunder
Jan 4, 2025
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK - JANUARY 3: Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks dribbles the ball during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunderon January 3, 2025 at Paycom Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2025 NBAE (Photo by Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
An eight-point fourth-quarter lead on Friday night wasn't enough to protect the New York Knicks from Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Jalen Brunson and the Knicks were outscored 37-19 in the fourth quarter as the Thunder stormed back to claim a 117-107 win in Oklahoma City.
Despite leading by as many as 14 points earlier in the game, the Knicks' win streak will now end at nine games thanks to their fourth-quarter meltdown.
Knicks going cold in the 4th is exactly the point. Their winning streak came playing mostly close games against bad teams. Not in the same league as the top teams.
Knicks forgot how to play defense in the fourth quarter. Too many open threes. If you go cold offensively, that’s one thing, but you have to play better defense. That was GROSS.
Absolute abysmal fourth quarter performance by the Knicks. Can we not do Brunson iso ball for the entire second half of that qtr? This team needs serious reinforcements for the bench if they want to make any run.
The Knicks struggled from behind the arc, particularly in the second half, but perhaps most concerning was the team's limited production off the bench.
New York's reserves were outscored 44-5 in the loss, thanks in large part to Wiggins' 19 points.
Level of physicality one team has been get away with is a discrepancy, but the Knicks depth is clearly a weakness.
Not exactly breaking news.
— ShwinnyPooh, Hukporti island resident (@shwinnypooh) January 4, 2025
Knicks aren’t gonna win a championship with a bench like this. The starting lineup is elite and can compete with anyone. Need some bench buckets. Alec Burks, Malik Beasley, Kyle Kuzma, etc. there’s gotta be someone who can get us 15 off the bench consistently. https://t.co/jwiZRbmlmt
The Thunder stretch their winning streak to a franchise-record 14 games with the victory. Oklahoma City's record now jumps to 29-5 overall and 16-2 at home as the team further secures its lead over the rest of the Western Conference.
Knicks Rumors: Teams Inquiring About Mitchell Robinson's Injury Before Trade Deadline
Jan 3, 2025
PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - MAY 02: Mitchell Robinson #23 of the New York Knicks dunks against the Philadelphia 76ers during the fourth quarter of game six of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at the Wells Fargo Center on May 02, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
Multiple teams have inquired about the health of New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson, who has been out all year after undergoing offseason ankle surgery.
"Several teams have been inquiring about Robinson's health. So that tells you that teams would have interest in trading for Robinson if they knew he was going to be healthy. When healthy, Robinson is one of the best offensive rebounders in the NBA. The 26-year-old is under contract through next season. So it makes sense that he would have trade strong trade value if healthy.
"But the three teams I've talked to recently didn't have clarity on Robinson's health."
The 26-year-old Robinson, who has played six NBA seasons, averaged 5.6 points and 8.5 rebounds in 31 games (21 starts) last year.
As noted by ESPN's Shams Charania, Robinson had ankle surgery in December 2023, which forced him to miss three-and-a-half months. He returned in late March 2024 but then suffered a left ankle sprain in the playoffs against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The big man played the next three playoff games but missed the Knicks' final six second-round contests versus the Indiana Pacers. He has not played since May 6, 2024.
It's unclear when Robinson will return. Begley wrote that the team has taken a "conservative approach" with the big man. He also noted that Robinson still has some hurdles to clear.
"Now, back to Robinson. Let's start here with the Knicks center: as of Wednesday, he was not yet cleared to run at full speed. That's the next significant step for Robinson in his rehab from offseason foot surgery.
"Until he clears that hurdle, it's difficult to say with any certainty when Robinson will be back on the court. But it's fair to say that he's not close to a return. If he were close to a return, he'd already be taking contact in a scrimmage setting."
Begley's remarks were in response to a mailbag question on whether he thought Robinson would play over or under 35 games this season. Begley guessed the under.
Teams may potentially be interested in Robinson even though he's been out this season, but the Knicks could easily be better off keeping him on the roster. New York is on fire right now as winners of nine straight to move to 24-10, good enough for third in the Eastern Conference. The Knicks' starting lineup has been fantastic, but New York could use some more depth off the bench. Robinson could be excellent as a high-energy reserve in limited minutes with his rebounding and defensive skills.
In the meantime, Robinson continues his rehab, and the Knicks look to keep their hot streak going on Friday in a road game against the Oklahoma City Thunder, who are winners of 12 straight.
Knicks Rumors: Players Defending Mikal Bridges' Early Struggles 'Helped' Chemistry
Jan 3, 2025
BOSTON, MA - OCTOBER 22: Mikal Bridges #25 and Josh Hart #3 of the New York Knicks look on during the game against the Boston Celtics on October 22, 2024 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Nathaniel S. Butler/NBAE via Getty Images)
After a lull to start the season, the New York Knicks have hit their stride with nine consecutive wins to move within one game of the Boston Celtics for the No. 2 seed in the Eastern Conference.
On the latest episode of the Hoop Collective Podcast(starts at 36:15 mark), ESPN's Brian Windhorst noted one of the big things that "helped" the Knicks find their chemistry quickly was players on the roster defending Mikal Bridges amid his early struggles:
"The players coming to [Mikal] Bridges' defense was galvanizing within the locker room. Now, it's not surprising that Josh Hart—who's one of Mikal Bridges' best friends—would come to his defense. But it wasn't just Hart. A number of players did. Because they were struggling. Bridges was struggling. He was kind of the face of their early struggles because of the trade, because of the five first-round picks. That has helped their chemistry, from what I am told."
Josh Hart was the most vociferous Bridges champion when he was going through some growing pains to begin this season.
There was a 17-game stretch from Oct. 28 through Nov. 29 when Bridges shot 29.8 percent from three-point range. This added credence to concerns from the preseason that his shooting form looked out of sorts.
Another problem during that month-long stretch for Bridges was defense. He was regarded as one of the best three-and-D wings in the NBA, but the Knicks were awful defensively when he was on the court compared to when he was off.
— Chief Revenue Officer - DraftKings Textiles Inc. (@DeathbyCeltics) November 14, 2024
In 15 games since Dec. 1, Bridges is averaging 21.3 points per game on 43.1 percent three-point shooting. He had his best game of the season on Christmas Day with 41 points on 17-of-25 shooting in the Knicks' 117-114 win over the San Antonio Spurs.
Even though patience is a virtue, it's not one many in the sports world possess because things happen so fast. There was always going to be an adjustment period for the Knicks coming into this season because they made two big offseason trades to acquire Bridges and Karl-Anthony Towns.
Bridges obviously had a preexisting relationship with Hart and Jalen Brunson from their time together at Villanova, but that trio last played together in 2017. They have all evolved as players since then.
Now, more than two months since the start of the regular season, the 'Nova Knicks have figured things out. They have won nine consecutive games and 19 of their last 23 after a 5-6 start.
