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Karl-Anthony Towns Plays Through Injury for Knicks Fans

Karl-Anthony Towns earned Knicks fans' respect after playing through a Grade 2 quad strain in the season opener vs. Cavaliers.
Jayesh Pagar|
Sep 23, 2025; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns speaks to the media during a media day press conference at the Madison Square Garden training center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
Sep 23, 2025; New York, NY, USA; New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns speaks to the media during a media day press conference at the Madison Square Garden training center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images | Brad Penner-Imagn Images

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New York Knicks

Karl-Anthony Towns earned massive respect from New York Knicks fans after playing through a Grade 2 quad strain in the season opener. The All-Star center helped the Knicks defeat the Cleveland Cavaliers 119-111 at Madison Square Garden.

Towns was downgraded to doubtful just hours before tipoff. Many expected him to sit out the crucial matchup against the Cavaliers' elite frontcourt. However, he was later upgraded to questionable and ultimately started the game.​

The five-time All-Star delivered 19 points and 11 rebounds in 31 minutes despite dealing with the painful injury. He scored seven crucial points in the fourth quarter when the Knicks needed him most.​

After the game, Towns opened up about his decision to play through the injury. When asked if he tweaked something after his status changed, he revealed the severity of his condition.​

"Yeah, I mean, I've been banged up and haven't really got a chance to practice or play in those last two preseason games. I don't want to disappoint the fans, right? Dealing with a grade two quad strain, it's not something that's easy to deal with. We made it happen tonight and a lot of the fans respected it," Towns said.​

He also credited his teammates for supporting his decision to play. "After I put in the play tonight, my teammates really did send some shout out to them. They supported me in understanding the situation," he added.​

When asked how he felt physically during the game, Towns admitted it was painful but worthwhile. "It was great. It helped," he said.

Fan Reactions to Karl-Anthony Towns' Gutsy Performance

Knicks fans flooded Twitter with messages of respect for Towns' warrior mentality, though many urged caution for the long season ahead.​

"IT'S ONLY GAME 1! DON'T FORCE YOURSELF TO PLAY! WE ARE DEEP. GET HEALTHY BEFORE YOU MAKE IT WORSE!" one concerned fan posted, emphasizing the team's depth.​

Another supporter praised Towns while thinking about the bigger picture. "We respect the hell out of you for that but we need you in the long run big dog! Sit and get healthy!" the fan noted, highlighting the importance of his health for playoff success.​

"Bro please sit down for a couple weeks. We got you big KAT," one user said, showing confidence in the team's ability to win without him temporarily.​

"So much respect for KAT for playing. He should definitely get healthy now but great season opener," another fan added, balancing appreciation with concern for his recovery.​

The Knicks face the Boston Celtics next on Friday in a highly anticipated Eastern Conference showdown.​

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Jayesh Pagar
JAYESH PAGAR

Jayesh Pagar is currently pursuing Sports Journalism from the London School of Journalism and brings four years of experience in sports media coverage. He has contributed extensively to NBA, WNBA, college basketball, and college football content.

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