Karl-Anthony Towns Explains Playing Despite Major Quad Injury for Knicks vs. Cavs

New York Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns explained why he played through a significant quad strain during the team's season-opening 119-111 win over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday night.

"I didn't want to disappoint the fans," Towns told reporters after the game. "Dealing with a Grade 2 quad strain, it's not something that's easy to deal with. We made it happen tonight. Thought the fans respected the effort I put in to play tonight and my teammates really did too."

Towns, who was listed as doubtful earlier on Wednesday, recorded 19 points and 11 rebounds in the victory.

He shot 5-of-12 from the field and 1-of-4 from three-point territory in 31 minutes of action, dishing out two assists while committing three turnovers.

Towns missed the Knicks' final two preseason games due to the quad injury.

He was ultimately able to suit up on Wednesday, providing an offensive boost to a New York squad that was without guard Josh Hart and center Mitchell Robinson due to their respective back and ankle issues.

While the Cavaliers were also missing star guard Darius Garland and sharpshooter Max Strus, the Knicks emerged victorious in the battle of the short-handed Eastern Conference contenders.

Cavaliers-Knicks Full Highlights

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It was an impressive win for New York, especially considering Cleveland swept the season series between the two teams during its 2024-25 campaign.

As for Towns, he's looking to build upon an impressive inaugural year with the Knicks. He averaged 24.4 points and 12.8 rebounds per game on 52.6/42.0/82.9 shooting splits during his 2024-25 season after New York acquired him in a blockbuster trade with the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Towns earned his fifth All-Star nod and was named to the All-NBA Third Team for his efforts.

Given his quad strain, he could find himself back on New York's injury report heading into a Friday clash with the Boston Celtics.