On Wednesday, the New York Knicks snapped their four-game losing streak with a 12-point win over the Los Angeles Clippers in Madison Square Garden.
Earlier in the week, all-star guard Jalen Brunson made a bold statement on Monday after the Knicks' blowout loss to the Detroit Pistons, where he flat-out claimed New York did not want to win the game.
After the win over Los Angeles, Brunson spoke in a different tone but also wanted it known what he and the team will need from center Karl-Anthony Towns.
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Brunson makes it clear what the Knicks need from KAT
After speaking to the media post-game, the Knicks' leader gave a message about how the team has to play and addressed the seven-foot sniper.
"We all have to have each other's back. The way he (KAT) played tonight is what we needed," Brunson said.
With this season being one of the least efficient in Anthony Towns' career, as the big man is currently shooting a career low at 46.6 percent from the field and 35.8 percent from beyond the arc, which is the lowest since his rookie season, it is clear Brunson wants the all-star center to play to his potential at all times.
Another concern about Towns this season is his lack of aggressiveness at times, as he is averaging between 6 and 15 shot attempts per game. However, even though he was not efficient against the Clippers, Towns was looking for his shot, finishing with a team-high 18 shot attempts in Wednesday's win.
The four-game skid was the longest New York has had this season, which could have caused Brunson to make a dramatic remark and question the team's effort. However, with the encouraging words spoken on Wednesday after the win, including the suggestion for Towns, it should be clear that the guard wants to get the best out of his guys.
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