# Karl-Anthony Towns’ renewed commitment has Knicks defense off to fast start

- URL: https://talkfuse.com/story/karl-anthony-towns-renewed-commitment-has-knicks-defense-off-to-fast-start/
- Published: 2026-11-09T05:36:52+00:00
- Updated: 2026-11-09T06:23:40+00:00
- Original publisher: New York Post (publisher lean: Right)
- Original article: https://nypost.com/2026/11/09/sports/karl-anthony-towns-renewed-commitment-has-knicks-defense-off-to-fast-start/
- Topics: World

## Key points

- The Knicks have started the season with a top-seven defence.
- Karl-Anthony Towns has shown renewed commitment at that end.
- New York have won five of their last six games.

## Summary

The Knicks have opened their title defence with a much stronger defence than they showed for much of last season, ranking seventh in defensive rating after starting last year 19th. Their early form reflects both continuity and improved commitment, particularly from Karl-Anthony Towns, whose defensive effort has often been criticised.

New York were allowing 104.2 points per game, the NBA’s third-lowest figure before Sunday’s games, while also playing at the league’s slowest pace. Towns took 13 rebounds and made two steals in Saturday’s win over Cleveland, including a key strip of Donovan Mitchell that helped spark a decisive 25-12 run. Coach Mike Brown praised Towns’ feel for the game and willingness to follow defensive instructions; the Knicks have held opponents to 105 points or fewer in five of their last six games and won five of those six.

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Summarised by TalkFuse (https://talkfuse.com/). Quote the original publisher for the reporting and link this page for the summary and discussion.