Charles Barkley Labels Karl-Anthony Towns NBA Finals MVP After Exceptional Performances
Charles Barkley has already made his NBA Finals MVP call after Game 2.
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Charles Barkley on Karl-Anthony Towns (Image credits - Firstsportz)
Karl-Anthony Towns is playing some of the best basketball he has ever played in his career. He has been a key player on both ends of the court for the New York Knicks during the first two games of the NBA Finals.
After a strong performance in Game 1, Towns was spectacular once again in Game 2. On Friday night, he led his team to a 105-104 victory over the San Antonio Spurs at the Frost Bank Center. The win saw the Knicks grab two road wins as the series now shifts to Madison Square Garden for Games 3 and 4.
After Game 2, Hall of Famer Charles Barkley heaped praise on the Knicks center for his performances in Games 1 and 2 of the NBA Finals.
The MVP of the Finals is going to be Karl-Anthony Towns. He has played two of the best games I’ve ever seen a big man play. He was great in Game 1. He was great in Game 2. That man earned his flowers.
Charles Barkley on Inside The NBA
Charles Barkley:
— Oh No He Didn't (@ohnohedidnt24) June 6, 2026
"The MVP of the Finals is gonna be Karl-Anthony Towns. That man earned his flowers" pic.twitter.com/3axLZ7G0Ya
After getting knocked out in the Conference Finals in the last two years, Karl-Anthony Towns is playing in his first-ever NBA Finals. There were questions regarding which Towns would show up when the lights shine brightest. So far, he has been in the form of his life.
The big man has been a dominant force in the first two games against the Spurs and has done a good job in controlling Victor Wembanyama. The center credited his late mother’s presence in the stands for his solid performance in Game 1.
Charles Barkley calling Towns’ performances as the two best games he has ever seen a big man play might be a stretch, but nothing should be taken away from the 30-year-old. The Knicks will be hoping to see more of such performances from their center in the coming games. If he does continue to play at this level, he will be a strong favorite to lift the Finals MVP award.
Shaquille O’Neal gives Karl-Anthony Towns his flowers
Shaquille O’Neal has often been critical and demanding of Karl-Anthony Towns. Towns has had his share of inconsistencies in the playoffs before. But he seems to have leveled up considerably this year. Jalen Brunson may be leading the scorers for the Knicks, but Towns has been the engine of the team.
After the game, O’Neal heaped praise on Towns and echoed Barkley’s Finals MVP pick.
He’s playing with pace. He’s playing smart. He’s playing inside. He’s outside. He’s controlling the offense with the pass sometime. And listen, he is just playing unbelievable basketball right now. And I agree with you. If it ended today, he would definitely be the Most Valuable Player.
Shaquille O’Neal on Inside The NBA
The Knicks are red-hot at the moment. The win in Game 2 extended their winning streak to 13 games. Towns is currently averaging 19.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, four assists, and one block in the first two games.
Karl-Anthony Towns delivers another double-double in Game 2
The defense that Karl-Anthony Towns has played on Victor Wembanyama has been incredible. The French star posted decent numbers but has been made to work hard for every single point whenever Towns is guarding him.
After a double-double in Game 1, the seven-foot center recorded another double-double on Friday night. He scored a team-high 21 points to go along with 13 rebounds and four assists. He had one steal and one block to his name as well, highlighting his impact on the defensive end.
Towns had good support from his teammates. Jalen Brunson and Mikal Bridges both scored 20 points each. while OG Anunoby added another 17 points.
The Knicks fans will be very delighted with what they have seen from their team throughout the postseason. With just two wins away, the Knicks will be eyeing a win to their first NBA championship in 53 years.
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Rishan Rai
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