The New York Knicks have made the NBA Finals for the first time in 27 years, and this season, it feels like their fan base is behind them more than in past seasons. New York has a chance to bring home a championship for the first time since 1973. 

Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns has been a big reason for the franchise's newfound success. Towns was acquired in a trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves in October 2024, and since then has made his mark on the team. 

Towns spoke to the media ahead of Game 1 of the NBA Finals, and he described the importance of a Knicks Finals appearance and how much it impacts the city. 

Towns also mentioned how confident the team is going into the series, and he knows this is an opportunity he may never get again in his career. 

"I don't think anybody who has made the Finals would say they don't feel they can win it. Of course, when you get an opportunity like this, you have to maximize it. You never know if you get another chance," Towns said. 

Since joining the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns has averaged 22.2 points per game, 12.3 rebounds, and 3 assists. New York has made back-to-back appearances in the Eastern Conference Finals, and this time they got over the hump and are competing for a championship. 

Throughout the 2026 playoffs, Towns has averaged 16.9 points per game, 10.6 rebounds, and 5.9 assists. He has been a player who has played different roles for the Knicks so far. He can be the facilitator, but he can also play well when the offense runs through him. 

Towns has been a serious threat from three-point range as well as a force in the paint. He has brought a different element to the interior that has elevated the Knicks when it matters most. 

He has also made an impact on the Knicks' backcourt as well. He has been able to take pressure off Jalen Brunson on offense, allowing him to get more opportunities to score, thanks to Towns being a threat on the interior. 

Karl-Anthony Towns is currently in his 11th NBA season and has been on multiple winning and losing teams throughout his time in the league. He has an opportunity to cement his legacy by winning a championship while also gaining the respect of New York City, a city desperate to see the Knicks win a championship.