The KAT is In His Bag

Shifting the Knicks' focus is the best thing that could've happened to New York

Contrary to my original prediction, the Knicks are decisively beating and are heading to New York with a lot of momentum. What do you know? (Or, more accurately, what do I know?)

Prior to the start of the series, most would have pointed to Jalen Brunson as the presumptive Finals MVP should the Knicks win, but the best player on this Knicks squad — when not in the clutch, which is still Brunson Land — has been Karl-Anthony Towns, who has usurped all expectations and finally found his groove in the playoffs.

I’ve previously been critical of KAT’s playoff struggles. His three-point percentage was prone to crashing in the postseason, his overall aggression would dip, and the inconsistency of his play made him a hard sell when going up against an opponent that shuts off his ability to score. Plus, his defense was okay at best and bad at worst. This year, though, things are different, and it’s because the Knicks have completely shifted the way they use him.