Karl-Anthony Towns led the New York Knicks to a 100-91 victory over the Orlando Magic on Sunday. Towns had a big game for New York with his 22 points, 22 rebounds and five assists. The Knicks improved to a 16-10 record in the 2024–25 NBA season, and the All-Star big man played a key role in their victory.
KAT wasn’t the only star who exerted effort for the win. Point guard Jalen Brunson had 31 points and five assists in their game against Orlando. Brunson made the most of his chances at the charity stripe as he shot 11-for-14 from the free-throw line.
KAT praised the entire team after their victory, pointing to their defensive play as crucial.
“I thought we played good as a team,” Towns said. “We made plays when we needed to for each other. I thought we played good defense, too. We did a lot of good things that we needed to do against a team that’s really good and that’s playing really well now in Orlando, found ourselves getting a win here, something that people haven’t been able to do.”
Knicks get much-needed response as Jalen Brunson, Karl-Anthony Towns key win over Magic https://t.co/a0Y7GKbQ6A pic.twitter.com/yyOCK4pJ49
— New York Post (@nypost) December 16, 2024
Tom Thibodeau, the head coach of the Knicks, took note of his team’s physical play. According to him, there was “contact with intelligence” from his players.
“It was physical. There was a lot of contact. But I thought we played smart,” Thibodeau said. “I want the contact with intelligence. Body position and communication. I thought that was much better today.”
The Knicks will have a three-day rest before they return to action on Thursday against Karl-Anthony Towns’ former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Fans were hyped with Karl-Anthony Towns’ performance
Karl-Anthony Towns continues to become a bright spot for the Knicks this season. His performance proves New York made the right decision to trade for him, improving their offense. Additionally, he’s been a beast in the rebounding department, leading the league in rebounds with 13.6.
After his 22-rebound performance, fans went online to compliment KAT.
“New York air really got KAT acting different huh?”
“I wish KAT was a Knick years ago just for the nickname.”
“Best player in NY and captain of the Knicks. Not Brunson! Bigg loss for Minnesota!!!”
Best player in NY and captain of the Knicks. Not Brunson! Bigg loss for Minnesota!!!
— InvestorX (@Investor_x1) December 16, 2024
“Bodega Cat has been balling”
“Enough with Big Bodega, it’s Bodega KAT”
“He’s going to put on a show back in Minnesota on Thursday. 🔥🔥🔥”
He’s going to put on a show back in Minnesota on Thursday. 🔥🔥🔥
— Arlandas Maleckis (@arlandass) December 16, 2024
“I see ya BODEGA Kat”
“N***a moved to the Knicks and turned to Rodman”
“hes in mvp convos”
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Reign also writes NBA and WNBA news updates on Sportskeeda. He started as a feature writer for AirAlamo, an NBA website that covers the San Antonio Spurs. Some of his work can also be seen with Valley of the Suns, a Phoenix Suns-centric website, where he served as a contributing writer.