Karl-Anthony Towns

Call it a coincidence, but in 79 years of existence, the New York Knicks’ most fruitful seasons have often featured one common staple: an All-Star center commanding the middle, often with the ability to elevate his game under the postseason spotlight. Eager to take step No. 1 in joining said long line of greats, Karl-Anthony Towns — ironically through a stepback — tests his clutch gene against the Detroit Pistons, working backwards to escape Jalen Duren’s hounding defense. Hardly on-balance, Towns releases a 30-foot bomb, burying a crowd-silencing 3-pointer that leaves teammates’ jaws agape in celebration along the sidelines. Tapped into a different level during the visit to Motor City, Towns helped fuel a 3-1 series edge through a 27-point display (on 10-of-23 shooting), accompanied by nine rebounds, one block, and five 3-pointers on April 27, 2025. Four days later, Towns enjoyed the first series victory of his career in the Big Apple, boasting a 19.7-point scoring average by the end.