The New York Knicks are doing great with a 27-15 record, but let’s not act like everything is perfect.
Karl-Anthony Towns is stuck on the bench with his thumb wrapped up like a cast, and Josh Hart is out there grabbing rebounds like his shoulder isn’t hurting with every move.
It’s impressive, no doubt. These guys are giving everything they’ve got to keep the team going. But how much longer can they push through all this pain before it catches up with them?
With the Hawks coming up on MLK Day and the Knicks’ lineup held together by effort and willpower, it’s hard not to wonder if this team can keep it up.
For now, it’s all about toughness and determination, but Knicks fans are left asking: how long before this takes a toll?
- Towns is dealing with a thumb injury that includes a bone chip and swelling. While surgery isn’t needed, his return depends on how quickly the swelling goes down, leaving the Knicks short-handed in the frontcourt.
- Despite a painful shoulder and neck injury, Hart has been a force on the court, grabbing 17 rebounds in a recent game. His effort is inspiring, but the Knicks are putting a lot of pressure on him to carry the load.
- With Mitchell Robinson still out and Towns sidelined, players like Precious Achiuwa and Jericho Sims are stepping up. While they’ve helped, the Knicks’ frontcourt depth remains a major concern as the season grinds on.
Knicks’ Stars Battle Through Pain, But Is It Sustainable?
Seeing Karl-Anthony Towns on the bench with his thumb wrapped in a hardcover isn’t exactly comforting for Knicks fans.
Watching Josh Hart shrug off a shoulder injury and dive for rebounds might inspire some, but how much longer can this team rely on its players’ toughness to make up for their issues?
Towns, officially questionable for the MLK Day game against the Hawks, has been out for two games with a thumb injury.
Unfortunately, it’s not just a sprain; tests revealed a bone chip.
While surgery isn’t needed, and he plans to return as soon as the swelling goes down, it’s hard not to worry.
Towns have been phenomenal this season, averaging 25.3 points and 13.9 rebounds (second in the NBA).
But how confident can the team be that he’ll stay healthy enough to carry them through the season?
Then there’s Hart, who got banged up during a loss to the Timberwolves.
His injuries—a neck compression and shoulder pain—didn’t stop him from playing, though.
In fact, he grabbed 17 rebounds in the win against the 76ers.
When asked about it, he joked, “There’s no one to steal my rebounds now.”
That’s classic Hart humor, but the truth is the Knicks are leaning heavily on him, and that’s risky.
Another awkward fall, and what then?
Overworking Heroes?
Jalen Brunson praised his teammates after Sunday’s practice, jokingly calling them “great-looking men” before getting serious.
“They looked fantastic,” he said. “Playing through pain is just who they are.”
But should it be?
The idea of “toughing it out” sounds great in theory, but this isn’t a movie.
This is the NBA, a long, grueling season where pushing through injuries often leads to bigger problems.
Coach Tom Thibodeau seems resigned to this reality.
“No one’s 100 percent this time of year,” he said. “But I respect these guys. They show up every day, even when they’re hurting.”
Respect is one thing, but the Knicks can’t survive on respect alone.
If Towns or Hart aggravates their injuries, the team’s already thin frontcourt will be in even deeper trouble.
Stepping Up When It Matters
The Knicks showed they could adapt in their overtime win against the 76ers, but it wasn’t easy.
With Towns out, Jericho Sims started at center but only managed 23 minutes because of back spasms.
That left Precious Achiuwa to step up, and he delivered.
Achiuwa had 10 points, six rebounds, and three critical blocks in the final minutes.
Thibodeau praised his performance, saying, “[Achiuwa’s] blocks were huge. He gives us more flexibility on defense.”
But Achiuwa, at just 6-foot-8, isn’t the long-term answer.
Sims, who chipped in eight points and seven rebounds, is reportedly being shopped in trade talks.
Rookie Ariel Hukporti didn’t even play.
Hart also stepped up, filling the rebounding gap left by Towns.
But relying on Hart, who’s already playing through pain, to do more isn’t sustainable.
As he put it, “With Towns averaging 13 rebounds, you’ve got to hit the glass harder.”
What’s Next for the Knicks?
The MLK Day game brings a special kind of pressure.
For Jalen Brunson, playing on this day means something bigger.
“It’s a privilege to play on days like this,” he said.
“Dr. King stood for so much, and we need to honor him.”
But emotions aside, the Knicks face a tough situation.
Atlanta has its own injury problems—Zaccharie Risacher and Larry Nance Jr. are out, while Trae Young and Jalen Johnson are listed as probable—but the Knicks’ lineup is stretched thin.
Mitchell Robinson, still recovering from injury, could return to practice later this month, but that doesn’t solve the immediate problem.
The Knicks have had a great season so far, sitting at 27-15, but without Towns and Hart at full strength, how long can they keep this up?
For now, the Knicks are holding on, powered by players like Towns and Hart, who are willing to push through the pain.
But at what cost?
It’s impressive to watch, no doubt, but if this continues, the Knicks might be asking for trouble.
