The New York Knicks’ start to the 2024-2025 season has been a rollercoaster. After a solid win over the Philadelphia 76ers, they suffered a heartbreaking, last-second loss to the Chicago Bulls.
Following a dramatic 22-point comeback at Madison Square Garden, Jalen Brunson had the ball in the final moments with the Knicks trailing 123-122. He took a turnaround midrange jumper that rattled in and out of the rim.
When asked about the missed shot after the game, Brunson didn’t feel much explanation was needed.
“[Patrick Williams] contested it pretty well,” he commented on November 13. “But I’ve worked on that shot since high school. The ball was halfway down; there’s not much more to say.”
Brunson was referring to Bulls forward Patrick Williams, who had been guarding him in the final minutes. Brunson managed to score two consecutive baskets on him late in the fourth quarter before the miss.
It was a painful loss for the Knicks, now 5-6 on the season. It stung even more considering Karl-Anthony Towns’ season-high 46 points in just his 11th game with New York.
The Knicks and Brunson will aim to bounce back on November 15, as they host the Brooklyn Nets at 7:30 p.m. EST.
Brunson Praises Towns: ‘That’s Just Who He Is’
Following Towns’ impressive performance, Brunson echoed what many fans already believed: this is the player Towns has always been.
“Karl was amazing,” Brunson said. “What he does on the court, he just makes it look so easy. I mean, that’s who he is. It’s great to have him on our side now, but he’s been doing it for years.”
New York acquired Towns by trading Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle, two key starters from last season’s 50-win team. So far, Towns has been averaging 24.5 points and 12.4 rebounds per game with his new team.
Towns Focused on Wins, Not Stats
Towns has embraced his new role in New York, quelling any concerns about his work ethic. After his 46-point game, Towns emphasized that winning is his only priority.
“I don’t care about that,” Towns told reporters on November 13. “If there’s no win next to it, then it’s just a bad night.”
Following two missed free throws late in the fourth quarter, Towns was seen postgame, still in uniform, practicing free throws.
“Today was disappointing for me at the line,” he explained. “Even when it’s close, I expect to make every one of them. When you lose a tight game, you look at everything. Making two or three more free throws changes the game.”
In his second 40-point game as a Knick, Towns went 4-of-8 from the free throw line. New York ultimately fell short by one point.
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