The New York Knicks found it difficult to maintain strong offensive rhythm for four full quarters in Games 2 and 3 against the Atlanta Hawks.
In Game 4, they adjusted by putting the offense in the hands of Karl-Anthony Towns, a shift that may have played a key role in keeping their playoff hopes alive, as reported by Kristian Winfield writes for the New York Daily News.
Towns responded with a standout performance, recording his first career playoff triple-double with 20 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists.
His ability to facilitate from the top of the floor helped create scoring opportunities, while head coach Mike Brown implemented off-ball actions that consistently freed up teammates like OG Anunoby for quality looks, many set up by Towns himself.
“[Towns] is a special talent. He can do it all. And I know if I get open, he’ll find me,” Anunoby said after the game, per Winfield. “No matter how tight the window is, he’ll be able to find it. It’s amazing playing with a player like him.”
Brown explained, via Stefan Bondy of the New York Post, that the tactical change came from a willingness to adapt quickly in a high-stakes situation.
“We just switched our early offense,” Brown said. “So with us switching our early offense up the way we did, the ball went to his hands quite a bit.”
Knicks Notes: Towns, Hart, Brunson, McBride https://t.co/FnYGTieAc0
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) April 27, 2026
