May 29: Towns will start on Thursday after previously being referred to as a game-time decision by head coach Tom Thibodeau, tweets Stefan Bondy of The New York Post.
May 28: The Knicks need a win Thursday night to extend their season, but they aren’t assured of having star big man Karl-Anthony Towns available. Towns has been listed as questionable on the official injury report for Game 5 with a left knee contusion.
Towns fell to the court in pain while grabbing his left knee after a collision with Indiana’s Aaron Nesmith with 2:11 left to play in Game 4 (YouTube link). He was able to stay in the game, but Peter Botte of The New York Post notes that he seemed to be favoring the same knee earlier in the night.
“I’m only thinking about this loss, I’m not thinking about that right now,” Towns told reporters when asked about his chances to play on Thursday. “It’s disappointing when you don’t get a win. Just didn’t do enough to get the job done tonight.”
Coach Tom Thibodeau was optimistic about Towns’ condition, saying “it’s a good sign” that he was able to continue playing. Thibodeau added that “we’ll see where he is after he gets evaluated” by the team’s medical staff.
Towns was the hero of Game 3 with a 20-point fourth quarter that sparked New York to its only victory so far in the series. He posted 24 points and 12 rebounds in 37 minutes in Game 4, but only attempted two three-pointers. He was pulled from the game four minutes into the first quarter after picking up two early fouls.
If Towns is unavailable on Thursday, Josh Hart will presumably return to the starting lineup. He started all 77 games he played during the regular season, but Thibodeau moved him to the bench in Games 3 and 4 while using a double-big approach with Mitchell Robinson alongside Towns.
No bueno
They might have a chance now
Why has Precious not gotten more of an opportunity? I think it’s very unfortunate
Precious is too unreliable for the playoffs. He does dumb stuff too often. But, he might get some run, and if he manages to avoid brain farts, his defense, rebounding and energy really could be a spark
Precious’s big problem, imo, is that he has horrible hands. Can’t ever seem to catch a pass cleanly. But he does bring energy and can go on a quick spurt.
did you just describe eddy curry? lol.
I wonder if the Knicks can win a game in MSG vs this Pacers juggernaut.
KAT has intermittently looked bad in the losses despite scoring well with high efficiency and leading the series in rebounds by a lot. His propensity for committing dumb fouls costs the Knicks.
Towns is starting to remind me of Randle. Always with the drama. That kick wasn’t that bad. It just gives him an excuse if things don’t go well. There are stars who live for competition. Who live to go up against the best. And prove to everyone how well you can play. Stars who can will their team to level up to win.
Towns is not one of them. Most times when there is heavy scrutiny. Or all eyes are on him. He doesn’t handle the pressure well. Then when it gets tough. The other team is playing him making him look bad. He just backs down and hides. Just checks out. He doesn’t handle the pressure well imo. Especially for a big time player. That his contract says he is. OK
So ……. If he would just do what he does well. Score and rebound. Don’t make those dumb mistakes. cause you are tired or your feelings are hurt. Just make good decisions. And use the help your teammates provide. You can assure yourself of playing a good game. You win as a team. The team just needs you to stay focused all game. Do the things you do well WELL. Its that simple …….
So if you really know ball ???? I mean if you really watch. Can you understand what you WATCH ????
You must see that gm1 was given away. The Pacers absolutely have taken advantage and earned where they are. No doubt. But if you know and respect this game. You know this game was going to be a Knicks win …. I get the hate. And I get you want a loss. Especially Pacers fans ….. ok. But if you know ball or this team. This wasn’t going to be a Knick loss ….
So grow up and enjoy the series. To real Pacers fans. You got my respect. But they better win next game .. ………. BETTER …..
For all the geniuses here that always show their ignorance. Acting like a baller. Cause you watch espn or heard a take…….. chk out this FACT …
Haliburton —— next superstar?? Next star ??
In a close out game — 8 pts, 2 reb, 6 ast, FG 28.6%
Brunson — 32 pts, 5 reb, 5 ast, FG %66.7
What have I said about Hali …. You heard !!
That is what a star does…… Captain Clutch
Bulls fan …. Talk to me about conditioning you non.
What shape are Pacers in when they score 94 pts and lose by 17 …. In a close out game. Who has had the worst loss this series …. Yogi Time !!
link to youtu.be
I am the most rational person you will ever meet in your life. Like all true fans, we are all homers. I tried telling you informing you. Now listen ……
Pacers better win next gm at home.
Losing game 4 already determined the Pacers are winning this series. Towns should spare himself as they have no shot anymore.
Totally agree with my man Brabo, Kat needs to go home for long summers Kat nap.
Now a reason you have an excuse if knicks lose??? Darn
Knicks weren’t built to win it this year. No first year team has ever done it. Indiana has shown what they need to do. So there are no excuses. Just fix what needs fixing.
Starting with winning a home game, right.
Thibs’ 2007 Boston Celtics were a first year team that won it all.
Not true lol. Stop throwing stuff around. This team has 11 out of 15 first year pkayers. The startets have three new players. OG was here for 20 gms ladt yr. Go look it up. No team has done this.
Just a fact.
Knick Al facts don’t matter to haters
Right bro …. after 82 gm season lol
YOGI time …….
link to youtu.be
Big Kat and the Knicks balled, extend the series.
Precious got some play tonight. Al must be ecstatic. Knicks looked great. Loved seeing Brunson off-ball for stretches. Hukporti sighting!
OK ———- cue YOGI time !!!!!
link to youtu.be
And can you believe it ?? Thibs went 10 deep.
Even Precious got 5:36 mins. I like Precious. Its a mistake not playing him.