According to reports from James L. Edwards III and Fred Katz of The Athletic, there was growing frustration within the Knicks locker room regarding Towns' defensive play. Both players and coaches reportedly felt he was missing assignments and misreading coverages without offering any clear reasoning behind the lapses.

And yet, there was Towns, a five-time All-Star (including this season), subbing out with nine minutes left and the Knicks trailing by 9 to the Pacers. He did not return until there was 2:25 to go

Despite a strong season, the New York Knicks fell to the Indiana Pacers. Consequently, tension arises as reports reveal team members' frustration with Karl-Anthony Towns for a surprising reason.