This was the tiger version of KAT the Knicks desperately needed in a clinching game. 

Karl-Anthony Towns came out firing after a couple of quiet offensive games earlier in this, and the All-Star center was a key contributor to the Knicks’ 119-81 closeout victory in Game 6 Friday night over the Celtics to advance to a date with the Pacers in the Eastern Conference Final. 

Towns, who also reached the third round of the playoffs in the West one year ago with the Timberwolves, scored 16 of his 21 points in the first half.

He left the court to a standing ovation when removed in the fourth quarter after also finishing with a team-high 12 rebounds, finishing the six games against Boston with 12.7 boards per game. 

“We talked about the importance of this game,” Towns said afterward. “My teammates trusted me in positions to score, and I’m glad I was able to repay their trust with some buckets. So it’s really a testament to my teammates keeping me involved and allowing me to be aggressive.” 

Karl-Anthony Towns reacts during the Knicks’ Game 6 win against the Celtics on May 16. Jason Szenes for the NY Post

Karl-Anthony Towns attempts to drive with the ball during the Knicks’ Game 6 win May 16. Charles Wenzelberg

A team-best 42 percent shooter in the regular season, Towns only shot 1-for-6 from 3-point range for the game.

He made just three on 19 attempts for the series against the Celtics. 

Towns also dealt with foul trouble with at least four personals in each of the six games, including four more in 35 minutes in Game 6. 

Karl-Anthony Towns was all smiles after the Game 6 win. Charles Wenzelberg/New York Post

“I haven’t really been out there really — haven’t had the chance to shoot. Been trying to do our game plan,” Towns said after scoring 19 points in Game 5, albeit several after the result was out of reach. “And just trying to execute at the highest level. Trying to do most of my damage inside. And do whatever my team asks me.” 

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Karl-Anthony Towns attempts a shot during the Knicks’ Game 6 win May 16. Charles Wenzelberg

Towns appeared to drill a 3-pointer early in the first quarter Friday night, but the play was negated when he was called for sticking his leg out and tripping Jrue Holiday.

He drained one later in the period to finish the first with 11 points. 

“That helps set the tone for the game,” Tom Thibodeau said. “I thought super aggressive at the start of the game. He got established, and then the rebounding and his pick-and-roll defense was outstanding. 

Karl-Anthony Towns elevates for a shot during the Knicks’ Game 6 win on May 16. Jason Szenes for the NY Post

“We were able to play off that. It gives us another threat. We had a really balanced attack.”