Karl-Anthony Towns

Nearly in double figures before the game’s first commercial break, Karl Anthony Towns’ plan of getting the New York Knicks ahead on the scoreboard — a luxury they owned for 46-and-a-half minutes out of 48 — proved unquestionably successful. And yet, as a true, seasoned veteran does, the four-time All-Star maintained a watchful eye for any and everything lurking behind. Three minutes away from putting the finishing touches on the Knicks’ NBA Cup-opening demonstration, Towns maintains his early-game ante, positioning himself on the low block against 6-foot Kyle Lowry, knowing the inevitable, soon-to-arrive double team to come. Masking his intentions flawlessly, Towns, awaiting the clearing of New York traffic, swings a behind-the-head dime to a cutting teammate, drawing both admiration from the crowd and ultimately, a victory on November 12, 2024. The do-it-all approach helped the Knicks spoil the return of the Philadelphia 76ers’ similarly-gifted center, as Towns tallied a 21-point, 13-rebound, six-assist, one-steal, one-block, two-triple showcase on the nationally-televised stage.