The New York Knicks are using their extended break before the NBA Finals to ensure they do not repeat the issues they experienced after a previous layoff this postseason.
After sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference Finals and extending their playoff winning streak to 11 games, the Knicks now have several days to prepare for either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs. With the Finals set to begin on June 3, New York is focusing on staying sharp rather than simply enjoying the time off.
Karl-Anthony Towns addressed that approach when asked how the team is handling another lengthy break between series. His comments highlighted a lesson the Knicks believe they learned earlier in the playoffs.
Karl-Anthony Towns Says New York Knicks Are Adjusting Preparation During Finals Layoff
Speaking to reporters, Towns explained that the Knicks are making changes based on their previous experience with an extended break.
“I mean, we understand what happened last time we had a layoff like this,” Towns said. “So we’re just trying to be better than we were last time. We’re approaching it better and preparing better than last time.”
Karl-Anthony Towns on how the Knicks are approaching their layoff before the NBA Finals begins:
The Knicks previously dealt with rust after a similar gap between playoff games. Towns said the coaching staff and players are focused on avoiding that issue before Game 1 of the NBA Finals.
“You know, we obviously were making tweaks to not have a time to wear the same rust that we had a game one last time,” he added.
The timing is significant for New York. The Knicks enter the Finals playing their best basketball of the season, having won 11 straight playoff games while averaging a victory margin of more than 23 points.
Towns has been a major part of that run. He recorded 19 points and 14 rebounds in the series-clinching 130-93 victory over Cleveland, helping New York complete a four-game sweep.
The Knicks have now reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1999 and are seeking the franchise’s first championship since 1973.
Mitchell Robinson Injury Update Gives New York Knicks Added Confidence
GettyNew York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson
While Karl-Anthony Towns discussed the team’s approach to the layoff, the Knicks also received encouraging news regarding center Mitchell Robinson ahead of the NBA Finals.
Earlier, ESPN’s Shams Charania reported that Robinson underwent surgery on a broken right pinky finger. Despite the procedure, Charania added that Robinson is expected to be ready for Game 1 of the Finals while wearing a brace.
Questions about when the injury occurred surfaced after the Eastern Conference Finals. However, head coach Mike Brown addressed the situation directly.
According to reporter Ian Begley, Brown said Robinson “did not suffer pinky injury during Game 4 and did not suffer it during a practice.”
The clarification helped eliminate concerns that the injury happened during New York’s sweep of the Cleveland Cavaliers or during preparations for the Finals.
Robinson has played an important role in the Knicks’ postseason run. During the regular season, he averaged 5.7 points and 8.8 rebounds in 60 games while ranking among the league leaders in offensive rebounds.
In the playoffs, Robinson has provided valuable minutes behind Karl-Anthony Towns, averaging 5.3 points and 5.5 rebounds while shooting 73.7 percent from the field.
His availability could be significant for New York as it prepares to face either the Oklahoma City Thunder or San Antonio Spurs. Robinson’s rebounding, interior defense, and ability to create second-chance opportunities have been important parts of the Knicks’ rotation throughout the postseason.
With Game 1 approaching, Towns emphasized that the Knicks are focused on improving their preparation during the break. Having Robinson expected to be available is another positive development for New York as the franchise prepares for its first NBA Finals appearance since 1999.
Karl-Anthony Towns Addresses NBA Finals Preparation as Knicks Get Good News on Mitchell Robinson