Amidst a sweep and some easy-looking series for the top teams of each conference, some first-round series have fans salivating. Take the Knicks-Pistons series. Although 3-1 in favor of the Big Apple, each game went to the climax. The resurgent Pistons have displayed a heart in a series that has been heated and feisty. In each game, it has seemed like they are missing that one ingredient to take down the Knicks. Draymond Green seems to be aware of what or who that is.
“I expected the Pistons to have a chance to win this series, and they are showing that, and that’s also with Isaiah Stewart been out. He’s missed the last two games, and I thought he’d be a vital part of this series,” the Warriors forward said on his podcast. Stewart resembles the vintage ‘Bad Boy’ mentality, playing with brute force and grit.
He might be seen as a troublemaker because of his history. But in Green’s eyes, he is Detroit’s enforcer. And if his physicality can be inserted into the series, the players who will find it most troublesome is Karl-Anthony Towns. “If they get him back, I’m telling you man, watch out Knicks. If they get Stewart back, because that’s just another body they could throw at KAT. That’s another enforcer,” Green commented on his podcast.
Karl-Anthony Towns has been very successful in this series so far. Averaging 22.8 points and shooting over 50% from the field, his offense hasn’t waned. However, in terms of rebounding, the Pistons’ size has caused problems. He is averaging just 8.3 rebounds, significantly fewer than his regular-season tally.
Feb 20, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) reacts to a play on the court against the Chicago Bulls during the first half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images
The tandem of Jalen Duran and Paul Reed has managed to curb his ability to clean the glass. Stewart helps to punch that strength home while also playing with high physicality. With a fully healthy center rotation, the Pistons can force KAT into foul trouble and limit his production even more.
Sadly though, it is highly unlike for Stewart to feature in this series. Dealing with a knee inflammation, J.B. Bickerstaff has said it’s possible for him to miss the entire first-round series. With each game now being do-or-die, it’s all up to Detroit. Battling from 3-1 is certainly not easy. But their squad is resilient. Having come to the postseason after being the worst team last year, they have undying hope as long as they have even the slightest of chance.
An impending trouble for the Knicks
The Pistons have every right to think they can march back into this series. All three games have been nerve-wrecking. Still, with the 3-1 scoreline, it’s a series the Knicks are cruising past. But for some reason, Tim Bontemps thinks their postseason survival will only be safeguarded if they can close the series out in Game 5.
Why?
The Knicks are probably the only team that relies heavily on their starting unit. Tom Thibodeau is ruthless, playing them 40+ minutes to win games. However, unlike the regular season, the playoffs are draining. Towards the end of Game 4, Jalen Brunson suffered an apparent ankle injury. While he did return, in the long term, that’s a major concern.
As per Brian Windhorst, the trump card during these playoffs is having a healthy rotation. “The story of this postseason, one of the stories of this postseason is depth. If you don’t got it, you got trouble. It’s a problem with Denver. It’s a problem with the Lakers. Potential problem with the Knicks,” Windy said about them.
In hindsight, the Knicks haven’t had any problems despite their thin rotations. Players have come out to speak against their minutes, like Mikal Bridges, a few months ago. However, within the Knicks, if there is to be a change, it’s not going to happen now. It’s apparent that their next players will play almost every minute in the game.
When healthy, that’s a luxury. However, with a potential matchup against the Boston Celtics, they could be exposed. The Shamrocks have a number of impactful players who can sway the game. For the Knicks, it’s the starters or nothing. Usually, they have delivered and stepped up in big moments.
However, if Brunson’s ankle does suffer further damage, who will replace him? Or if Karl-Anthony Towns goes into foul trouble in a close game like he did in Game 4, is there anyone prepared to shoulder even a partial load? All of these intricate details can decide the outcome of a seven-game series.
The New York Knicks do have a star-studded lineup on their hands. But if it comes to shifting plans, what are they made of?
The post Draymond Green Issues Warning to Karl-Anthony Towns as Knicks Face Lakers Fate With Jalen Brunson Injury appeared first on EssentiallySports.
