Karl-Anthony Towns: Knicks embody the grit & grind of New York
The Knicks forward spoke after an 18-point, 12 rebound performance in a Game 1 win of the 2026 NBA Finals.
Video Transcript
Twice in Boston last year, you, you guys were down 22 against the Cavs in, in game one of the Conference Finals.
Today, you were down 14.
What, what is it about this team when you guys are down big that you guys don't quit?
Why, why, why do you guys have that confidence no matter how big you guys are down?
I mean, it, it's something that's in the city.
You feel that energy in the city, the grit, the grind, the, the hard work you gotta put in to make it in the city.
I think we reflect all our fans and, and, and their lifestyles and what it takes to make it in New York City, when we step on that court with the Knicks jersey.
I think I heard you saying as you were walking off the court that was like a prize fight.
if that's the case, do you think this is just round one, and what's it mean for the tone of the rest of the series?
So there's a lot of, there's a lot more basketball to be played.
but like I've said to the, to y'all and the media who's followed us in our, on our journey here, every game has to be approached like it's, it's 0-0.
You gotta come out with that same energy, intensity, and desperation like it's game one of, of any playoff series.
So, you know, we got 48 hours to rest up and, and do that all over, do it all over again and even at a higher level.
