The New York Knicks pulled off the biggest trade of the NBA offseason by acquiring Karl-Anthony Towns from the Minnesota Timberwolves. Towns showcased his offensive prowess in his fourth game with the team, scoring 44 points against Miami on Wednesday. The Knicks will now head to Detroit to face the Pistons on Friday night.
Towns, who attempted 25 field goals against Miami, had averaged 15.3 points in his first three games with the Knicks, never attempting more than 11 field goals in those contests. Due to injuries, Towns is playing center for the Knicks after primarily serving as a power forward with the Timberwolves. The Pistons’ duo of Jalen Duren and Isaiah Stewart will have the challenge of containing Towns.
Josh Hart displayed toughness by playing 42 minutes despite a shin injury, contributing 10 points, 14 rebounds, and six assists. The Knicks have dominated the series against the Pistons in recent years, winning 15 consecutive games dating back to the 2019-20 season.
The Pistons secured their first victory under new head coach J.B. Bickerstaff on Wednesday, defeating Philadelphia 105-95. Detroit’s starting backcourt of Jaden Ivey and Cade Cunningham combined for 45 points. Tobias Harris, who signed a two-year contract as a free agent after a long stint with the Sixers, added 18 points and a team-high 14 rebounds. Despite some heckling from Philadelphia fans, Harris’s performance remained unaffected.
