Knicks: Draymond Green credits Karl-Anthony Towns for string performance

The rivalry between New York Knicks' Karl-Anthony Towns and Golden State Warriors' Draymond Green intensified ahead of Saturday's game, stemming from Green's previous unapologetic comments about Towns' absence in their March 4 matchup.

Despite the Knicks' loss, Towns delivered a standout performance with 29 points and 12 rebounds. He and Green engaged in a physical, high-intensity matchup throughout the contest, fulfilling pre-game expectations of their confrontation.

Post-game, Green acknowledged Towns' elevated play, stating: "Good to see KAT show up and play like that... He was physical, probably most physical I’ve ever seen him." He attributed Towns' performance to "extra motivation" that enhanced the game's competitiveness.

Though Knicks players had publicly dismissed Green's remarks as irrelevant to their season goals, Towns clearly channeled added motivation into his play. The team fell short without injured Jalen Brunson, marking their second loss to Golden State this season.

New York now prepares to host the Miami Heat on Monday, hoping Towns maintains this heightened level of play through their playoff push.