New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns has been a polarizing figure for most of his 11-year career. Picked first in the 2015 NBA Draft, the 7-footer with the soft shooting touch has been routinely criticized for failing to truly live up to his immense potential. From shooting too many 3-pointers to being labeled as an underachiever, KAT has endured plenty of jabs from fans, players and the media through the years.
This season has been no different, especially since his numbers have dipped this season. He’s playing fewer minutes, which has impacted his stats across the board. However, KAT has held steady and in the NBA Finals, he has been the Knicks’ most reliable player on both ends.
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Hall of Famers Charles Barkley and Shaquille O’Neal aren’t easily impressed by anything anyone does on an NBA floor. However, after Game 2, it’s clear that KAT has gotten their attention.
Barkley predicts KAT will be the Finals MVP
After putting up 18 points, 12 rebounds and four assists in Game 1, KAT kept his momentum going and had 21 points, 13 boards, four assists, a steal and a block in Game 2, all while holding his own against the Spurs‘ 7’4″ menace, Victor Wembanyama. It wasn’t just his production, either, but more so when he turned his game up.
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Down 12 early in the second quarter, KAT had 12 points in that stretch to not just withstand the Spurs’ early barrage but actually shove the Knicks ahead at halftime, 56-52. While it’s too early to declare any award-winners, that didn’t stop Chuck from naming who he thinks is going to win the Bill Russell NBA Finals MVP Award.
“The MVP of the Finals is going to be Karl-Anthony Towns. He has played two of the best games I’ve ever seen a big man play. He was great in Game 1. He was great in Game 2. That man earned his flowers,” Barkley stated.
Shaq, the self-appointed leader of the mythical “Big Man Alliance,” concurred with Charles’ sentiments, saying KAT is playing within his means and has been efficient on both ends. While the team’s superstar guard, Jalen Brunson, jacked up 25 shots, KAT only took 12 shots and made eight of them.
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“He’s playing with pace. He’s playing smart. He’s playing inside. He’s playing outside. He’s controlling the offense with his passing at times. Listen, he’s just playing unbelievable basketball right now,” Diesel said. “And I agree with you. At the end of the day, he would definitely be the Most Valuable Player.”
Greatest playoff run of all time?
There have been many unforgettable runs to the NBA Finals, including the Knicks 1999 campaign and the Golden State Warriors‘ near-invincible run in the 2017 postseason. However, with 13 straight wins, Barkley believes this Knicks’ run ranks right up there amongst the NBA’s best.
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“I’m not saying this is the greatest team ever. Let me make that clear,” Chuck proclaimed. “But if they win these next two games, this is one of the greatest runs in playoff history.”
“Yeah, I mean, it’s one of the greatest runs. You have to give them their props. It’s amazing what they’ve done.”
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Jun 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the Latest News section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.