Karl-Anthony Towns just made his preseason debut with the Knicks, and it’s safe to say he’s already shaking things up.
With his crazy shooting range and all-around playmaking, Towns brings a well-needed new vibe to the team.
In their first preseason game, we got a taste of what the new-look Knicks could be like, and fans are buzzing about the possibilities.
Let’s take a closer look at how Towns is fitting in, what’s working well, and what still needs some work as the season gets started.
- Karl-Anthony Towns’ ability to shoot from deep has changed how the Knicks can space the floor and attack offensively.
- The Knicks’ starting lineup shows strong potential, but Josh Hart’s shooting remains a key weakness that could affect the team’s offense.
- With Towns, the Knicks could challenge teams like the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference, but their depth may still be a concern.
First Look at the Knicks’ New Starting Lineup
The New York Knicks’ preseason started with excitement as they beat the Charlotte Hornets 111-109.
This game gave fans their first look at the new starting lineup, which includes Karl-Anthony Towns, who joined the team in the offseason.
Another new addition, Mikal Bridges, played alongside Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and OG Anunoby.
It might well be that this lineup will be one of the strongest in the league.
Though the starters only played briefly in the first half, they showed flashes of what’s possible.
And, of course, preseason games aren’t always the best way to predict success, but Sunday’s game gave a glimpse into what this team could become.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ Deep Shooting Changes the Game
You’ve probably heard about Karl-Anthony Towns’ shooting before, and his first game with the Knicks showed just how valuable this will be.
KAT from WAY downtown! 🔥
The newest Knick gets his first bucket for New York.
📺Knicks-Hornets | NBA TV
📲 https://t.co/YWUgwXK5dJ pic.twitter.com/F8lRHhwcmM— NBA (@NBA) October 6, 2024
He hit a deep three-pointer, pulling up from 27 feet with plenty of time left on the shot clock.
This wasn’t for show—Towns’ ability to make these shots changes how the Knicks’ offense works.
In the past, Knicks centers like Mitchell Robinson and Isaiah Hartenstein weren’t much of a threat from outside.
As a result, this allowed defenders to clog the lane, and it was harder for players like Jalen Brunson to drive to the basket.
Thanks to his range, Towns’ ability to shoot from far out opens up space in the paint so that his teammates can score more easily.
And Sunday’s game showed how this new spacing could help the Knicks all season.
Towns’ New Freedom Without Another Big Man
Another benefit of Towns playing with the Knicks is that he has more space to work with on the court.
Towns was often paired with Rudy Gobert during his time with the Minnesota Timberwolves, forming a double-big lineup.
While they worked well together, it sometimes limited Towns’ ability to find open spaces.
With the Knicks, Towns is the only big man in the lineup, which gives him more freedom to use his skills.
During Sunday’s game, defenders had to stay close to the Knicks’ other offensive threats, leaving Towns with plenty of room to work.
He took advantage of this extra space by driving to the basket and making great passes to set up his teammates.
Although some missed his lobs, this is something that will improve with more time playing together.
Mikal Bridges: Selective but Efficient
Mikal Bridges didn’t take many shots in the game, but that’s because he didn’t need to.
Last season, when Bridges was with the Brooklyn Nets, he had to take on a bigger role and had the highest usage rate of his career.
He doesn’t have to carry that much of the load with the Knicks, though.
In the Knicks’ new lineup, Bridges can afford to be more selective with his shots.
On Sunday, he took just five shots in 12 minutes but made the most of his chances.
He even scored his first basket by taking advantage of a wide-open lane after the Hornets’ defense focused on the Knicks’ other stars.
This is the beauty of having multiple scorers on the floor—Bridges doesn’t need to force shots.
And the fact he can wait for his moments should help his overall efficiency this season.
Josh Hart: The Question Mark
While the Knicks’ new starting lineup is exciting, there’s still one big question: Josh Hart’s shooting.
Last season, Hart made only 31% of his 3-point attempts, and this game showed that opposing teams plan to take advantage of that.
When Brunson drove to the basket, the Hornets’ Vasilije Micic completely left Hart open to double-team Brunson.
In the end, Hart had a wide-open 3-pointer but missed it.
So, defenders will likely continue to leave Hart open this season.
And if Hart can’t improve his 3-point shooting, it could limit the Knicks’ offensive success.
However, Hart is a smart player who can contribute in other ways, such as cutting to the basket or setting screens.
Towns’ Success and What’s Next for the Knicks
It’s important not to overreact to one preseason game, but based on what we’ve seen so far, Towns’ first game with the Knicks was a success.
He showed off his shooting, passing, and defense, all of which will be key as the season progresses.
But the real test comes on October 22nd when the Knicks face off against the Boston Celtics. That game will show how well this new lineup holds up against one of the best teams in the league.
It’ll also allow Towns to see how he fits in with his new teammates in a more competitive setting.
Can the Knicks Compete with the Celtics for the Top Spot in the East?
With Karl-Anthony Towns in the lineup, many people wonder if the Knicks can now seriously compete with the Boston Celtics for the top spot in the Eastern Conference.
On paper, the Knicks’ starting five looks great, but there are still concerns about their depth and whether they can keep up this level of play through a long season.
If Towns and Brunson can keep building their chemistry, especially in pick-and-roll situations, and if the Knicks find ways to cover for Hart’s shooting struggles, they could become a real threat in the East.
But for now, it’s too early to say for sure.
What’s clear, though, is that this Knicks team has a higher ceiling than it has had in a long time.
