35-for-32 in the Paint? Karl-Anthony Towns Sets New Standard for Defensive Woes

Karl-Anthony Towns, now a cornerstone of the New York Knicks, has had a polarizing start to his tenure in the Big Apple. While his offensive firepower continues to dazzle, his defensive statistics have raised serious concerns. ESPN’s senior analyst recently highlighted a jaw-dropping stat: opponents have converted an astonishing 91.4% (35-of-32) of their attempts in the paint when Towns is the primary defender.

The shocking nature of this statistic caught fire online, with NBA Memes sharing a humorous graphic poking fun at Towns’ lack of rim protection. As some fans joked, even Yuki Kawamura, the 1.72-meter Japanese guard, might have put up a better fight protecting the Knicks’ paint.

Despite these defensive struggles, Towns’ offensive production has been nothing short of elite, offering a silver lining to his critics. Yet, his contributions haven’t translated into consistent success for the Knicks, who sit at a modest 4-5 record, ranking sixth in the Eastern Conference.

Offense: Towns Keeps the Knicks Alive

On the offensive end, Towns remains one of the most versatile and productive big men in the league. Through nine games with the Knicks, he’s averaging 24.9 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 2.3 assists per game. His shooting efficiency has been remarkable, posting a 53.7% field-goal percentage and knocking down 2.4 three-pointers per game.

One of his standout performances came against the Miami Heat, where Towns erupted for 44 points and 13 rebounds, demonstrating his ability to single-handedly carry the Knicks offensively.

The Knicks’ starting lineup has thrived on offense, ranking third in the league with an offensive efficiency of 120.7, trailing only the Denver Nuggets (131.7) and Boston Celtics (126.6). But as impressive as their offense has been, their defensive shortcomings have been equally glaring.

Defense: The Achilles’ Heel

The Knicks’ defensive efficiency paints a stark contrast to their offensive prowess. Their starting lineup has posted a defensive efficiency of 122.0, the second-worst in the league, ahead of only the Miami Heat (124.1).

Towns’ struggles have been a microcosm of the Knicks’ broader defensive issues. His inability to deter opponents in the paint has become a glaring weakness, one that opposing teams have exploited.

But the blame doesn’t rest solely on Towns’ shoulders. The Knicks’ rebounding in clutch situations has taken a significant hit this season, with a rebounding rate of just 29.6% in key moments—a sharp drop from last season’s 56.3%, which ranked second in the league behind the Nuggets.

Thibodeau’s Frustration

Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau, known for his emphasis on defense and hard-nosed basketball, hasn’t minced words about the team’s struggles. Following a 121-132 loss to the Indiana Pacers, Thibodeau expressed his frustration, stating, “If you’re going to rely solely on offense, you’ll never be a great team.”

Thibodeau’s frustration has also manifested in his approach to rotations. In the game against the Pacers, the Knicks’ bench was barely utilized, with only one substitute playing more than 10 minutes. The starting five—Towns, Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, Jalen Brunson, and RJ Barrett—all logged over 36 minutes.

While this “farm owner” strategy may reflect Thibodeau’s desperation to find consistency, it raises concerns about player fatigue as the season progresses.

Defensive Talent, Poor Results

The Knicks’ defensive struggles are even more perplexing given the presence of elite perimeter defenders like Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby in their starting lineup. Both players have built reputations as lockdown defenders, yet their collective efforts haven’t translated into success on that end of the floor.

Some analysts have speculated that the Knicks’ poor communication and lack of rim protection are key factors in their defensive collapse. Towns, for all his offensive brilliance, has struggled to anchor the defense in the paint—a role that is crucial for any contending team.

What’s Next for Towns and the Knicks?

While it’s still early in the season, the Knicks need to address their defensive shortcomings to maximize their potential. Towns’ offensive contributions are undeniable, but his inability to protect the paint remains a significant liability.

For Towns, improving his defensive presence is critical to changing the narrative around his game. Whether that involves better positioning, increased physicality, or simply greater effort, it’s clear that Towns must step up to meet the demands of his role.

The Knicks, meanwhile, must find a way to balance their offensive firepower with a more disciplined and cohesive defensive approach. If they fail to do so, they risk squandering the prime years of their star players and falling short of their postseason aspirations.

As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Towns to see if he can rise to the challenge and help the Knicks shed their label as a defensive sieve. For now, though, the numbers don’t lie: Towns and the Knicks have a lot of work to do.