Karl-Anthony Towns jokes on Kenny Atkinson, helps Knicks win ESPYs Best Team

Karl-Anthony Towns turned a lighthearted jab at Kenny Atkinson into a championship moment. On July 16, 2026, the New York Knicks accepted the ESPY for Best Team after sweeping the Eastern Conference Finals and defeating the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win their first NBA title since 1973.

What did Karl-Anthony Towns say?

Towns filmed a pitch for the Knicks’ ESPY submission and took a playful shot at Atkinson. “You can pick up all the analytics and statistics you want, but analytically, we should win this one,” he said, referencing Atkinson’s claim that analytics favored the Cleveland Cavaliers in the first two games of the Eastern Conference Finals: despite New York leading 3-0. The clip lit up social media, with fans and pundits clashing over the dig.

How did the Knicks land the ESPY?

The Knicks’ postseason run sealed the award. They swept the Cavs 4-0, then beat the Spurs 4-1 in the Finals. Jalen Brunson, the Finals MVP, also claimed Best Championship Performance at the ESPYs and earned two more nominations: Best NBA Player and Best Athlete (Men’s Sports). The team’s historic title ended a 53-year championship drought and sparked celebrations across New York.

What did Karl-Anthony Towns do in the playoffs?

Towns averaged 14.2 points and 10.6 rebounds in the Finals. For the entire postseason, he posted 20.1 points and 11.8 rebounds per game while shooting 50.1% from the field. He also set an NBA postseason record with a plus/minus of +258 and made his sixth All-Star team. His two-way impact anchored the Knicks’ frontcourt as they closed out series after series.

What’s next for Karl-Anthony Towns?

With a championship ring in hand, Towns enters the 2026 offseason as the Knicks’ cornerstone. His postseason plus/minus and All-Star selection underscore his prime status at 29. New York’s fanbase now expects title defense: and Towns will lead the charge as the team eyes a repeat.