Mike Brown reveals how Karl-Anthony Towns can produce more in the Knicks offense

NEW YORK – Karl-Anthony Towns scored just two points in the first half against the Detroit Pistons last Thursday. He made righteous one of his three shot attempts in the opening frames of the game. The game, however, was a tale of two halves for Towns. The center scored six of his 11 goals in the second half for 19 points and finished with 21.

Head coach Mike Brown told reporters after the game that, other than Towns setting the screens a little higher, there weren’t any major changes made at halftime that would facilitate the All-Star’s big second-half scoring spree. Ahead of Saturday night’s game against the Houston Rockets, Brown revealed just how much Towns is responsible for the lack of offensive involvement.

The New York coach argued that any effort to set up players, including Towns, for success must start with him. On Saturday, he put more of a burden on the center than ever before. Brown made it clear that the center needs to read opposing defenses and position himself accordingly in order to capitalize on production opportunities.

“KAT’s going to have to read those moments,” Brown said of Towns’ involvement in the pick-and-pop in the second half against the Pistons. “Because sometimes they’re going to switch. And if they switch and screw up the switch, then you might have to roll. … If they don’t switch and they’re aggressive on the ball, then he’s got to read it, and he’s got to snap.”

After two-thirds of the season questions about Towns’ production, the coach gave it to reporters directly: Towns needs to control what he can and let the rest fall into place.

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Brown also argued that Towns could help the Knicks get more out of their superstar point guard, Brunson. The coach explained that the importance of Towns correctly identifying pop opportunities is related to the problems he and Brunson can create for opposing defenses. The duo only creates problems for themselves if they don’t react to the schemes in front of them.

“Because now the only thing they can do is rotate completely,” Brown said of the challenges teams face when Towns shows up and jumps to the 3-point line. “Because it’s tough. Even though Detroit players have great feet, they’re able to move, and they’re quick, and all that stuff. It’s tough for somebody to guard Jalen, put two on Jalen, and then go back to a guy like KAT. So that’s a read, but we have plays designed so that he’s going to play where he’s going to play, and where Town is going to check in or” the offensive process.

The Knicks coach is usually less concerned about Towns’ or any player’s performance than the actual games. Brown has been asked about it many times The relative lack of offensive participation of cities during the team’s eight-game winning streak. He responded by consistently focusing on the team’s win-loss record during that time. He also hailed the center on Saturday, saying it had ended “fantastic” when adapting to the new system.

Brown’s pregame comments As of Saturday, the Knicks’ offensive order was clear. Brunson first, Towns second, and the rest of the chips will fall in whatever arrangement the match allows. The coach did not say that Towns should demand the ball from his teammates. He didn’t say the center doesn’t get the ball often enough. But he seems to want to Cities to better position themselves. It can help everyone involved.