The New York Knicks suffered their second loss of the season on Tuesday, Oct. 28, falling to the Milwaukee Bucks 111-121. Karl-Anthony Towns had a difficult outing during the game, ending the night with just eight points.
After the game, Kyle Kuzma explained how he found success guarding one of the most offensively gifted big men in history.
“I think I’ve been in the league long enough and played against talent long enough to kind of understand what he kind of wants and what he wants to do,” Kuzma said. “So being out there and just being physical, being physical, put my body on them. A lot of times when you’re playing guys that are physical, they don’t want you to be physical. So just bringing that attitude and mentality to the game really probably frustrated him a little bit.”
According to NBA Stats, Kuzma was the primary defender on Towns, matching up with him on 49.1% of his total defensive possessions. When guarding the Knicks center, Kuzma held him to just two points on 0-of-4 shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo also spent 29.6% of his total defensive possessions on Towns, holding him to 0-of-3 shooting.
Towns must find ways to overcome a physical defense if the Knicks are going to reach their ceiling of being a championship-level team.
Stephon Marbury Sends Message to Towns
The Knicks are still adjusting to Mike Brown’s new system. It will take time for fans to see the roster at its best, and that includes the star talents like Towns and Jalen Brunson. However, following the Knicks’ latest loss, former fan-favorite Stephon Marbury had a message for the All-Star big man.
“For us to win we need KAT playing like his All-Star self,” Marbury said. “…My message to him is…for now not overthink the new system…Great players make that adjustment—I know he will…Everyone is finding their style within the new structure…Get ready for Chicago. We’ll be OK.”
Towns knows what it takes to win at a high level. He was a starter on the Minnesota Timberwolves roster that made the Western Conference Finals in 2024. During that series, he averaged 19.6 points, 8.4 rebounds and 2.2 assists as the Timberwolves lost in five games to the Dallas Mavericks.
Towns Takes Blame For Knicks Loss
When speaking to the media after the Knicks’ loss to the Bucks, Towns shouldered the blame.
“I didn’t do what we needed…that’s on me…accountability’s big in this locker room,” Towns said. “…I’ve got a new role, gotta embrace it…Gonna be tough 2 days…Game 4, I know everyone’s gonna be stressing in NY…We’re all finding our spots…Teach old dog new tricks, I’m learning new tricks.”
The Knicks are only four games into the new season. It’s far too early to begin drawing conclusions over the current rotation or the team’s chances of success. Nevertheless, if Brown’s team is going to be a force in the Eastern Conference this season, Towns will need to be at his best.
As such, the Knicks’ fanbase will undoubtedly want to see their star big man bounce back in the near future.
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