Boomer: Karl-Anthony Towns has silenced critics of Knicks blockbuster trade
Many believed the Knicks were in for one of their toughest tests of the season to date in Tuesday's matchup with the surging Magic at MSG, with the Group A winner at stake in the NBA Cup.
New York responded with 121-106 drubbing of Orlando in a game where the Knicks led by 20-30 points almost the entire second half. The offense looked as potent as ever, Mikal Bridges continued to look improved after his breakout the game prior, and Karl-Anthony Towns dominated with a team-high 23 points, 15 rebounds, and was a +25 on the night.
Boomer says the critics of the KAT trade, who worried that the chemistry of the Knicks would be derailed with the departures of Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, have gone awfully quiet.
"Everyone was killing the trade for the Knicks, because supposedly Karl-Anthony Towns was 'soft,'" Boomer said. "It has been quite the opposite. Karl-Anthony Towns looks like he's happy, like he's loving life in New York City. He's really performing up to every expectation.
"Maybe the Knicks have gotten it right this time. That's what it looks like."
Meanwhile, Randle and DiVincenzo haven't gotten off to the strongest of starts in Minnesota, as Randle's defense has been an issue and DiVincenzo is shooting just 33.3 percent from downtown compared to 40.1 percent last year, while his turnover numbers have gone back up. Boomer believes the trade for KAT looks like a home run, and other offseason moves have looked like a slam dunk as well.
"OG Anunoby got his big contract, and he's been playing his ass off," Gio said. "He's playing better than he's ever played in his career. He's getting comparisons to Kawhi Leonard right now."
