Jalen Brunson playfully teased his New York Knicks teammate Karl-Anthony Towns ahead of the All-Star Game in San Francisco.
With the new format placing them on opposing teams, Brunson will suit up for Kenny Smith’s squad, while Towns will play for Charles Barkley’s team. When asked about facing his teammate, Brunson joked that he’s excited for the challenge. “We’re actually not friends at all,” Brunson said with a grin. “So competing against him is going to be fun.”
Brunson is averaging 26.1 points and 7.5 assists per game while shooting 49.2% from the field. Meanwhile, Towns has excelled in New York, averaging 24.7 points and 13.4 rebounds per game.
In the opening round of the All-Star Game, Towns’ team defeated Brunson and Team Kenny 41-32. Brunson finished with three points and three assists, while Towns contributed six points and three rebounds.
Brunson, Towns Powering Knicks
Brunson’s playful jab was clearly a joke ahead of the All-Star festivities. The Knicks have formed a close-knit group this season, boasting a 36-18 record, which ranks third in the Eastern Conference. Offseason additions like Karl-Anthony Towns and Mikal Bridges have played key roles in the team’s success.
“It’s been fun. It’s been a steady process throughout every game,” Brunson said. “It’s been fun to go through this journey with the guys we have. I’ve enjoyed every second of it.”
Towns, making his fifth All-Star appearance, praised Brunson as the driving force behind the Knicks’ success.
“The guy who makes it all happen is Cap,” Towns said of Brunson. “It’s a huge honor for both of us to be part of one of the best organizations in the world and represent as starters. It means a lot to us.”
Knicks Have More Work to Do After Strong Start
The Knicks have firmly established themselves as contenders in the Eastern Conference, but Jalen Brunson and his teammates know there’s still work to be done.
“We’ve done well so far, but we have a long way to go,” Brunson said. “I’m excited for the stretch run—it’s going to be fun. We haven’t really accomplished anything yet. We have a long road ahead to reach our ultimate goal. Right now, it’s about taking it one day at a time, resting, recharging, and coming back ready to go.”
Karl-Anthony Towns echoed Brunson’s sentiment, acknowledging the team’s positive momentum while emphasizing the need for defensive improvements.
“Offensively, we’re in a good place, but defensively, there’s work to do,” Towns said. “Consistency and discipline are key. From Game 1 to now, we’ve become a much better version of ourselves. I’ve said from the beginning that it’s about getting 1 percent better every night, and this team has grown.”
The Knicks are currently listed at +1,300 odds to win the championship, trailing only the Boston Celtics, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Oklahoma City Thunder. New York is aiming to capture its first NBA title since 1973.