Karl-Anthony Towns debuts with a double-double in the Knicks’ victory over the Cavaliers

SANTO DOMINGO. – Dominican center Karl-Anthony Towns debuted with a solid performance of 19 points and 11 rebounds in the victory of the New York Knicks by 119-111 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, in the start of the 2025-26 season of the NBA, held at Madison Square Garden. You may be interested in:Towns, Horford and Jaquez Jr., the Latin figures aiming for the NBA ring 2026

Despite being included in the list of questionable players due to a right quadriceps strain, Towns played 31 minutes and was key in the comeback of the New York team. He scored 8 of 9 free throws, 1 of 4 three-pointers, and dished out two assists, showing leadership on both sides of the court. The Dominican player starred in a decisive three-point play during a 14-0 run in the final quarter, with which the Knicks regained the lead and sealed the victory in the debut of the new coach Mike Brown. By New York, OG Anunoby led the offense with 24 points, followed by Jalen Brunson with 23. Mikal Bridges contributed 16 and Miles McBride added 15 off the bench. The Knicks played without Josh Hart (back discomfort) and Mitchell Robinson (scheduled rest). In the losing cause, Donovan Mitchell was the most outstanding for the Cavaliers with 31 points, while Evan Mobley added 22 units and 8 rebounds, and Sam Merrill finished with 19 points. The Knicks dominated the first half 65-50, but saw their lead reduced in the third quarter before executing a strong final offensive that allowed them to secure the victory in front of their fans. With this victory, New York starts on the right foot a season in which it seeks to return to the elite of the Eastern Conference, driven by the arrival of Towns, who aims to be one of the most decisive figures on the team.