After sitting out the final two preseason games with what was termed a quad issue, Karl-Anthony Towns admitted Wednesday night that he played through a Grade 2 quad strain against the Cleveland Cavaliers.

He is on target to take the floor again Friday night when the Boston Celtics come to Madison Square Garden to challenge the Knicks.

“Oh yeah. I’ve been banged up and haven’t really got a chance to practice or play those last two preseason games, but I don’t wanna disappoint the fans,” Towns said to reporters from the locker room after the game. “Dealing with a Grade 2 quad strain is not something easy to deal with. But we made it happen tonight. I’m glad the fans respected the effort I put in to play tonight and my teammates really did, too. So shoutouts to them supporting me and understanding the situation i was in.”

Towns not only played 31 minutes, but he played very well. He scored 19 points and added 11 rebounds and two assists. 

He earned the admiration of his coach following the game for his ability to clean the glass and come up with the rebounds.

“We needed every single one of those rebounds those guys got,” head coach Mike Brown said after the game.

Towns said he played through the pain because, as they say on Broadway, 'the show must go on.'

“Oh I was hurting for sure,” said Towns. “It’s been a day for me living in it, and for y’all trying to report it, so it’s been one hell of a day. But I’m glad at the end, God’s good. We got a win, New York’s happy, the fans are happy. Things are good.”

Towns is not the only player on the walking wounded list. Earlier on Wednesday the Knicks ruled out Mitchell Robinson, who is suffering from an ankle injury, and Josh Hart who has back spasms. Their availability for the Celtics game is undetermined.

“Just allowing ourselves to change the energy of the game at any time,” said Towns. “We’ve got a lot of guys in here who are pros and giving them a chance to affect the game and impact winning is a great testament to, one, the trust that us teammates have in each other here in this locker room, and [two] the coaching staff trusting the players, so shout out to them.”

As a result of Robinson and Hart missing the game, two of the fresher Knicks got to see some early season action. Both players were second-round draft choices in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Ariel Hukporti got the starting nod at center in place of Robinson. Tyler Kolek also saw  meaningful minutes at the backup point guard position. Malcolm Brogdon would have filled that role, but he abruptly retired last week.

“I thought both guys came in and tried to do what they’re capable of doing,” Brown said after the game. “We don’t need anybody to come in and play hero ball or anything like that. Play to your strengths, and both of those guys, they can do some things out on the floor.”