INDIANAPOLIS — This is <a href="https://nypost.com/2025/05/23/sports/karl-anthony-towns-sits-for-crucial-stretch-in-game-2-in-knicks-dilemma/">hardly a shocker with Karl-Anthony Towns</a>. We knew he was a poor defender. He was such a poor paint protector that the Timberwolves spent four first-round picks and a pick swap to acquire another player — Rudy Gobert — to take on the defensive responsibilities at center.&nbsp;

That was part of the deal, part of the trade. They got an elite offensive 7-footer and a subpar defender.&nbsp;

The Knicks knew this. And for much of this season, they managed it. OG Anunoby picked up a lot of the slack. Mikal Bridges kicked into high gear in the postseason. Survived it and advanced.&nbsp;

But now facing an unrelenting Pacers team with a smart coach in Rick Carlisle, the issue is at the forefront with a pressing need for a solution.&nbsp;

With the starters under fire for their underwhelming postseason as a unit, here are two potential lineup alterations ahead of a must-win Game 3.{ai:summary}<p>Karl-Anthony Towns has been criticized for his poor defensive skills, prompting the Timberwolves to trade for Rudy Gobert to bolster their defense. The Knicks have managed to cope with Towns' shortcomings, especially with contributions from players like OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges. </p><p>However, as they face a strong Pacers team led by coach Rick Carlisle, the Knicks' defensive challenges are becoming increasingly evident, highlighting the need for a strategic solution. #sports</p>

Weighing the pros and cons of lineup changes for desperate Knicks

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