190 Club! Sorry Brunson, Towns is the New King of New York?

The New York Knicks just might be witnessing the rise of a new superstar in their midst. After a dominant performance in their 116-94 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, Karl-Anthony Towns, recently acquired in a blockbuster trade, has once again proven that he may not only be the future of the Knicks but could very well be the new "King of New York." Towns’ incredible stat line—32 points, 11 rebounds, and 5 assists—was the latest in a series of spectacular outings that have caught the attention of NBA fans and analysts alike.

But what does it mean for the Knicks' current roster, and where does it leave Jalen Brunson, who was expected to be the leader of this team? While Towns has been putting up elite numbers, Brunson, despite his own All-Star-caliber play, may find himself taking a step back as Towns continues to dominate the spotlight.

The Knicks are currently sitting at 4-4, an average record by most standards, but in the Eastern Conference, where the competition is stiff, it’s enough to put them in a favorable position early in the season. The win against the Bucks was not just another victory; it was a statement, especially as the team had struggled early on against other heavyweights like the Boston Celtics and Cleveland Cavaliers. While they had the occasional slip-up, the win against Milwaukee, which has championship aspirations of its own, proved the Knicks' potential is undeniable—especially when Towns is playing like a top-tier superstar.

Towns’ performance in the win over the Bucks was a sight to behold. Playing for 32 minutes, the big man was nearly flawless, shooting 12-of-20 from the field, 4-of-8 from beyond the arc, and 4-of-5 from the free-throw line. It was the kind of all-around dominance that not only lifted the Knicks to an impressive win but also put the league on notice that Towns is playing at an elite level. His +24 plus-minus was the second-highest on the team, and while Brunson had a solid game with 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 6 assists, it was Towns who grabbed the headlines with his scoring and rebounding.

Looking at Towns' season thus far, it's clear that he’s in the middle of one of his best stretches as a professional. Through eight games, Towns is averaging 24.3 points, 12.8 rebounds, and 2.6 assists per game, shooting an incredible 52.7% from the field, 55.6% from three-point range, and 90% from the free-throw line. His true shooting percentage of 65.3% is the highest of his career, showcasing just how efficient he’s been in all facets of the game. His performance has been so strong that he currently ranks fourth in the NBA in rebounds, and his offensive game has been nothing short of remarkable.

Before his 30+10 performance against the Bucks, Towns already had one of the best games of the season in a victory over the Miami Heat, scoring 44 points and grabbing 13 rebounds while shooting 68% from the field, including 4-of-5 from deep. His ability to dominate on both ends of the floor has made him one of the most impactful players in the league this season. Even in a recent loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Towns was impressive, recording 34 points, 16 rebounds, and 3 blocks, showing that he can carry the Knicks even when they aren’t firing on all cylinders.

Towns’ transformation from a top draft pick to an established star has been well documented. After being selected first overall in the 2015 NBA Draft by the Minnesota Timberwolves, Towns quickly became one of the league’s most talented and versatile big men. However, his time in Minnesota was often marred by inconsistency, both from a team perspective and individually. But since joining the Knicks, Towns seems to have found his rhythm, particularly with the team’s focus on building around him, Brunson, and other key players. It’s becoming clear that Towns might be ready to take over the mantle of New York’s best player.

This has led to the question: where does this leave Jalen Brunson, the player who was once the presumed leader of the Knicks? While Brunson’s impact has certainly been felt, with the 27-year-old guard averaging 24.0 points, 2.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game on solid shooting splits (45.8% from the field, 41.3% from three), his numbers haven’t been quite as gaudy as last season’s. Brunson was one of the best postseason performers last year, with an average of 32.4 points per game in the playoffs, and his regular-season numbers (28.7 points per game) were even more impressive. His 61-point explosion last season remains one of the most memorable performances in recent Knicks history.

However, despite his strong play, it seems as if Brunson may have been surpassed by Towns in terms of overall impact. The numbers reflect this shift. Towns’ BPM (Box Plus-Minus) of 4.9 leads the team, while Brunson’s stands at 1.1. Towns’ PER (Player Efficiency Rating) of 27.9 also tops Brunson’s 20.6, and his advanced stats in terms of Wins Shares per 48 minutes (0.251 vs. Brunson’s 0.128) and VORP (Value Over Replacement Player) (0.4 vs. Brunson’s 0.2) show just how much more efficient and impactful Towns has been this season.

This shift isn’t a knock on Brunson; he’s still playing at an All-Star level. But Towns’ ability to dominate as a 7-footer with elite shooting, rebounding, and playmaking skills gives him the edge in New York, particularly given his versatility as a big man. While Brunson has been excellent in his own right, Towns’ rise has made it clear that he might be the player the Knicks need to build around moving forward.

Towns’ dominance also poses a potential challenge for the Knicks moving forward. While Brunson may not mind taking a backseat to Towns, it’s hard to ignore the fact that the Knicks' future now seems to revolve around the big man’s development. Towns has the tools to be a true superstar in New York, and with his high efficiency and ability to score in multiple ways, he could quickly become the face of the franchise.

Looking at the bigger picture, the Knicks’ roster has the potential to be a serious contender in the East. With Towns, Brunson, and a host of other talented players—such as Mikal Bridges, Josh Hart, and Immanuel Quickley—the Knicks have a deep roster that can compete with the top teams in the league. If they can continue to develop chemistry and fine-tune their offensive and defensive schemes, they could quickly rise through the ranks and challenge the Celtics and Cavaliers for Eastern Conference supremacy.

The Knicks have invested heavily in their future, and if Towns continues to play at this level, they may find themselves in the middle of an unexpected title contention window. The question now isn’t whether Towns will be the leader of this team—it’s how high the Knicks can climb with him at the helm. If Towns continues his ascent, he could very well become the true "King of New York."

And as for Brunson, while he might not be the undisputed top dog anymore, he still has plenty of time to make his own mark in this Knicks’ dynasty in the making. But for now, all eyes are on Towns, the new star in the Big Apple.