Towns Reveals Why Shamet Made His Life Easier After Brunson’s Injury

With Jalen Brunson sidelined, the Knicks needed a primary offensive engine — and Karl-Anthony Towns wasted no time taking on that responsibility. After dropping 31 points in the first half alone against Miami, Towns broke down how he approached the challenge and why the second half required a different rhythm.

“JB was missing the game today and we all had to step up and contribute to our team,” Towns said. “I wanted to do my best to pick up the offense that he gives us. And in the first half, I did a good job of that.”

But when Miami adjusted defensively, Towns refused to force his scoring. Instead, he shifted into a more patient, playmaking mode.

“In the second half, I wasn’t trying to force it. I’ve had those days, so I was just letting the game come to me,” he added.
“Landry Shamet is a big reason for that.”

With Shamet exploding for 30 second-half points and a career-high 36 overall, Towns didn’t need to take over — he just needed to keep the offense steady.

His decision-making was a sign of maturity and trust in the roster around him, especially in a game where New York was missing two starters and searching for answers on the fly.