New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns exited Sunday’s game early in the fourth quarter against the Boston Celtics with an apparent left knee injury but returned after a four-minute absence.
The incident occurred when Towns missed a dunk and appeared to land awkwardly. He hobbled up the court, grasping at that knee, before making it to the bench and falling to a heap. Moments later, he exited down the tunnel to the locker room.
His departure snuffed out any hopes of a Knicks comeback on Sunday in Boston. After trailing by as many as 27, the Knicks cut their deficit to seven at the end of the third quarter after Towns poured in 14 points to shrug off a miserable start. He did not record a single point and hauled in four rebounds in the first quarter but bounced back to end his day with 24 points and 17 rebounds.
The Celtics went on a 10-2 run to put the game away after Towns exited with 8:28 to go in the game. Precious Achiuwa checked in and played until Towns returned with 4:12 remaining.
Towns’ exit sent up an immediate and alarming red flag for New York, which was preparing to return to full health for the stretch run of the 2024-25 season. Center Mitchell Robinson, who is supposed to play a reserve role behind Towns, is expected to return within the week as his recovery from May ankle surgery is just about complete.
The 29-year-old Towns is enjoying one of his finest seasons as a pro during his first year with the Knicks after he was acquired in a summer blockbuster from the Minnesota Timberwolves. In his first 51 games this season, he was averaging 24.8 points and 13.4 rebounds per game, which earned him All-Star starter honors alongside teammate, Jalen Brunson. They were the first Knicks duo to start an All-Star Game in 50 years.
His return suggests that he avoided a major issue, but he was seen hobbling and clutching the area throughout the game’s final moments. The Knicks will surely monitor it closely as they have three games in five days beginning on Wednesday.
