(Video) Charles Barkley Confronts Karl-Anthony Towns On Live TV Over ‘Dumb’ Move

Hall of Famer Charles Barkley did not think twice before questioning the Knicks star Karl-Anthony Towns over his poor fouling in Game 5.

(Video) Charles Barkley Confronts Karl-Anthony Towns On Live TV Over ‘Dumb’ Move

Karl-Anthony Towns and Charles Barkley (Image by FirstSportz)

Without star center Karl-Anthony Towns, the New York Knicks wouldn’t be playing in the Eastern Conference finals, but not everything he has done this series has contributed to the team’s victory. Towns has recorded 35, 20, 24, 24, and 24 points in five games versus the Indiana Pacers. In contrast, he has been found guilty of four, three, five, four, and five fouls in his five games.

This is a major concern for KAT in the ongoing series, as his opponents are trying to exploit his weaknesses. NBA Hall of Famer and analyst Charles Barkley also hopped on this matter in a 1 on 1 conversation with the Knicks star on live TV. His fouls are frequently mistimed, and on Thursday night, he irritated Barkley, who in his playoff career averaged fewer full fouls per 36 minutes than Towns.

Charles Barkley questioned Karl-Anthony Towns, “Why do you be getting them dumb fouls?” to which Karl-Anthony Towns replied, “God only knows.”

Despite having the most successful playoffs of his career, Towns deserves credit for taking Barkley’s criticism well. In the victory, KAT and his teammate, Jalen Brunson, tied a record held by NBA greats, Shaquille O’Neal and the late Kobe Bryant. With 24 and 32 points, respectively, the two were New York’s top scorers.

On the other hand, Pacers’ star man, Tyrese Haliburton‘s terrible performance in Game 5 was undoubtedly helpful for the Knicks side, but none of the Pacers players were particularly strong that evening either. Towns falling into foul trouble led to Indiana’s biggest run of the evening. This has, however, been a constant issue with KAT.

This is something the Knicks star will have to sort out quickly as they head into an important Game 6 clash against the Pacers. The Knicks are just one loss away from losing the ECF Finals.

Karl-Anthony Towns has alarming fouling stats in the 2025 NBA Playoffs

Tom Thibodeau‘s tendency to play his starters’ key minutes has been discussed extensively this playoffs. Karl-Anthony Towns is being used even more now than he was while playing for the Minnesota Timberwolves. The big man must remain on the court as a result. However, his fouling statistics from these playoffs are not particularly interesting to read.

Throughout the playoffs, KAT has averaged 4.3 personal fouls per game. He has never committed as many fouls in the postseason as he has now. Rotations and the big man’s own consistency are both impacted by this. If he wants New York to win the title with this core, he must find a solution.

Although he doesn’t always display it, Towns has the strength, size, and skill to dominate games. He established the tone early in Game 5, owned the paint, and crashed the boards against Indiana. Towns made no effort to settle or float. He simply put up a show, something the Knicks fans will be expecting from KAT once again, going into Game 6.

Karl-Anthony Towns on the ‘do-or-die’ Game 5

Towns had an impressive performance against the Pacers, right from the tipoff. He dominated the pain and dropped 24 points on them. However, due to a knee contusion, Towns was listed as questionable going into the game, but he managed to play despite the ailment during Thursday’s triumph.

Following the game, Towns spoke with the media as they asked him whether he was certain he would be able to play in Game 5.

I looked at the game and it said Game 5 do-or-die. That was pretty much all I needed to see.

Karl-Anthony Towns said

With the Knicks’ season on the line, Towns was able to play despite the injury he sustained in the fourth quarter of Game 4, so his status was never truly in question going into Thursday’s win-or-go-home game. KAT also played another fantastic game, seemingly unconcerned by his knee ailment. Additionally, he is going to get a full day off before Saturday’s Game 6.

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