When the New York Knicks parted ways with head coach Tom Thibodeau in favor of Mike Brown this summer, it was widely believed that the aim was to finally bring the club's offensive punch into the 21 Century.
Over four full months of action, it seems this shakeup has already proven successful, as the Knickerbockers have improved across many key statistical areas, including points per game (115.8 to 117.1), three-point percentage (36.9 to 37.4), and offensive rating (117.3 to 118.2).
Now, as they bee-line it toward their fifth playoff berth in six seasons, it appears Brown faces yet another crucial challenge -- figuring out a way to get the most out of Karl-Anthony Towns.
Knicks coach must find out how to unlock Karl-Anthony Towns
Here in year two with the Knicks, Towns has been on the receiving end of quite a bit of flak for his play and on-court efforts.
Yes, he was selected to his sixth All-Star Game, but he finds himself clocking in with some of the worst numbers of his 11-year career.
Through 55 games played, the big man is posting 20.0 points (second-lowest of his career) on 36.7 percent shooting from deep (third-worst mark of his career) and 47.7 percent shooting overall from the floor (worst of his career).
Needless to say, throughout his tenure in the association, Towns has rightfully established himself as one of the best offensive players in the game, and his career long-range shooting clip of 39.8 percent only strengthens his claim as the best three-point shooting big in NBA history.
However, whether it be in the form of a three-shot first-half in a crucial February 19 matchup against the Detroit Pistons or a mere 14-point outing Tuesday night against the Cleveland Cavaliers (both ended in losses, mind you), here in 2025-26, there have been far too many examples of the veteran disappearing in big moments.
It's up to coach Brown to find ways to get him more involved.
Jalen Brunson is without question the best player on this Knicks team, but Towns is arguably their most important talent, as he can be one of the most unguardable centers in the game when locked in.
As the legendary Shaquille O'Neal pointed out following Saturday's monster comeback win over the Houston Rockets, for New York to have their best shot at winning a championship, KAT needs to be dominant.
From here until the end of the postseason, unlocking this side of Towns should be Brown's primary focus.