Karl-Anthony Towns sits for crucial stretch in Game 2 in Knicks dilemma
Share this @internewscast.com

Karl-Anthony Towns did not score in the first quarter on Friday night, but thanks to Mitchell Robinson’s dynamic presence during much of the first half, Towns found more opportunities to navigate his offense, ultimately securing 20 points in the remaining three quarters.

Despite his efforts, Towns was on the bench for nearly seven minutes in the fourth quarter. Tom Thibodeau opted for the defensively skilled Robinson as the sole big man until the Pacers began employing the ‘hack-a-Shaq’ strategy. Towns reentered the game with 2:25 left, in what became the Knicks’ consecutive home defeat to the Pacers in the Eastern Conference finals, with a final score of 114-109 at the Garden.

During Towns’ 27 minutes of play, the Knicks were outscored by 20 points, with the starting lineup falling behind by 10 points early. However, Robinson and Miles McBride injected energy on both ends of the court off the bench, flipping the scoreboard to a 52-49 lead at halftime.


Indiana Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard #2 taking a shot while New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns #32 defends during the NBA Playoffs Eastern Conference Finals Game 2 at Madison Square Garden
Karl-Anthony Towns struggled on the defensive end in Game 2 on May 23, 2025. Charles Wenzelberg / New York Post

Robinson played 16 consecutive minutes — several on the court with Towns — before coming out to a standing ovation with 1:42 left in the second quarter. He finished the game with six points, nine rebounds (four offensive) and three blocked shots in 29 minutes, his most playing time in this year’s playoffs. 

OG Anunoby had the opposite production in the first half, scoring all nine of his points through two quarters in the first, including a game-opening 3-pointer and a couple of dunks.


Follow The Post’s coverage of the Knicks in the 2025 NBA Playoffs

Sports+ subscribers: Sign up for Inside the Knicks to get daily newsletter coverage and join Expert Take for insider texts about the series.


The first slam came after he picked off a pass from T.J. McConnell in the backcourt, and the second was an alley-oop feed from Jalen Brunson. 

Anunoby finished with 16 points as the Knicks fell to 2-6 in the playoffs when he does not score at least 20 points, compared to 6-0 when he reaches that figure. 

Like Towns in the first, Anunoby didn’t score again before intermission, but Towns found him for an inside hoop midway through the third to bring the Knicks within 64-61.


Karl-Anthony Towns
Karl-Anthony Towns and the Knicks lost Game 2. Jason Szenes / New York Post

He also buried a corner 3 to cut the deficit to two on the next possession. 

Towns followed with another 3-pointer in response to a Tyrese Haliburton trey to keep the Knicks within two. Haliburton only scored two points on 1-of-7 shooting in the first half, but the All-Star point guard rang up 12 in the final two quarters to finish with 14 points and 11 assists.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Jet plane flying low over a crowded beach.

Frightening Scene as Tourists Shout While Fighter Jet Performs Daring Low Flights and Aerobatics above Spanish Beach

THIS is the terrifying moment tourists screamed in horror as a fighter…

Inventor Julian Brown’s Involvement in Disturbing Missing Persons Reports Sparks Fan Concerns, Prompts Police to Address Rumors

THE family of a popular energy engineer at the center of sick…
Photo of Thais Bonatti.

Tragic Accident: Female Comedian Dies After Being Struck by Truck Driven by Ex-Judge with Nude Passenger

A young comedian tragically lost her life in a terrible accident when…
'The Golden Girls' celebrates a milestone anniversary with fans across the country

Fans nationwide celebrate a significant anniversary of ‘The Golden Girls’

Happy 40th anniversary to “The Golden Girls.” The cherished comedy featuring Bea…
FBI investigating death on board Carnival Dream cruise ship

FBI Launches Investigation into Death Aboard Carnival Dream Cruise Ship

The FBI is investigating a death onboard the Carnival Dream cruise ship. …
Jasmine Crockett Threw Tantrum Over Profile, Believed She Deserved Top Post Based on Social Media Clout

Jasmine Crockett’s Reaction to Profile Sparks Debate on Social Media Influence and Leadership Qualifications

Representative Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) sought to cancel a profile article in The…
Why Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle ad is being slammed as ‘Nazi propaganda’ by crazed woke mob (Video)

Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Commercial Faces Backlash as ‘Nazi Propaganda’ from Outraged Critics (Video)

Why Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle Advertisement Faces Backlash as ‘Nazi Propaganda’ from…
Stranded New Orleans residents gathered outside the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina.

Surviving Chaos: The Struggle of 30,000 People Amid Hurricane Katrina’s Devastation

CRADLING her three-week-old son as shots rang out in the dark, Taffany…
Youngsters' firepower poses tricky trade deadline call for Mets

Youthful Talent Forces Difficult Trade Deadline Decision for Mets

SAN DIEGO — Since the All-Star break, the standout narrative for the…
Photo of Clinton David Brink and Cristen Amanda Brink.

Tragic Final Hours of Parents Who Sacrificed Their Lives to Save Their Daughters Shortly After Relocating for a Fresh Start

The couple who lost their lives while shielding their young daughters during…
Brian Daboll grows heated over Giants' training camp penalty flags

Brian Daboll Sounds Off on Penalty Issues at Giants’ Training Camp

Observations from the Giants’ training camp on Monday: Green’s Day CB Art…
Ryne Sandberg death: Chicago Cubs Hall of Fame second baseman dies after prostate cancer battle

Ryne Sandberg Passes Away: Beloved Chicago Cubs Hall of Famer Loses Fight Against Prostate Cancer

CHICAGO — Ryne Sandberg, a celebrated Hall of Fame second baseman renowned…