New York Knicks legend Charles Oakley has offered his thoughts on the team’s Eastern Conference semifinal battle with the Boston Celtics.
The Boston Celtics clawed their way back into the series with a comprehensive victory in Game 5 over the New York Knicks, who were attempting to close out the series.
The Knicks now lead the series 3-2, with the Celtics’ victory opening the door to a memorable series comeback, despite the injury to Jayson Tatum.
All eyes are on Game 6 in Madison Square Garden, where the Celtics must win to stay alive, and the Knicks must win to avoid having to face Game 7 back in Boston.
Barry Chin/The Boston Globe via Getty ImagesCharles Oakley wants more from Karl-Anthony Towns
New York Knicks legend Charles Oakley wants to see more from Karl-Anthony Towns in Game 6.
Oakley told Nightcap: “They run an offense basically off of what Brunson could do. And everybody else know this, they get stagnated sometimes.
“I think that Towns gotta go to the post. From him being around the top of the key, three point line. He crowds the whole thing up.
“He need to go on the baseline and post up and take some of the pressure off up the guys up top.”
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Towns scored 19 points in Game 5, also contributing 8 rebounds. It was an underwhelming effort in a close out game, and the Knicks need more when they return home.
Oakley believes it is important to get Towns involved early and get him into the rhythm of the game.
“You got to get him going in Game 6. When he get the ball early he plays better, when he don’t, his game gets stagnant.
“Let’s get Towns off early, and everything can flow.”
Speaking after the game Towns admitted the game plan did not work in his favor, where he did not get the opportunity to get the shots off, attempting only 11, and scoring only five.
Charles Oakley has Madison Square Garden warning
The Knicks will have a vociferous home crowd in their favor for Game 6, but Oakley warns the team must be proactive and not seek to be reactive to the fans.
He said: “I think when they come home, the crowd gonna be there, but they can’t think the crowd gonna play for them. They gotta come out and play, execute early. Put the pressure on.”
Oakley will not be at Madison Square Garden amid his long running dispute with James Dolan.
The team legend added: “They need to win the Game 6. You don’t wanna go back to Boston.”