Karl Anthony Towns Thrives as Knicks, Mike Brown Bond

Merlin sees a thaw between Karl Anthony Towns and coach Mike Brown. ESPN’s Brian Windhorst noted that "early on, there was some friction" but "he and Mike Brown are in a good place right now." Towns is attempting 15.0 field goals per game after 16.9 last season while still averaging 22 points and 11.9 rebounds. His efficiency has slid to 47.6 percent from the field and 36.5 percent from deep, yet the Knicks sit 23 and 9 and hold the No. 2 seed, just 1.5 games off the top spot. Merlin senses that role clarity is the hidden spell. Towns admitted he was still "figuring it out" in October, and being asked to do "a little bit more gruntwork" can look rough early. If comfort grows and his shot selection sharpens, that walking double double could tilt playoff series in New York’s favor.