Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns thanks John Calipari after viral Game 2 moment vs. 76ers

The pressure and intensity of the 2026 NBA Playoffs briefly gave way to comedy at Madison Square Garden on Tuesday night. That was thanks to Andre Drummond, Karl-Anthony Towns, and an unexpectedly memorable “geometry lesson” during the New York Knicks’ Game 2 clash against the Philadelphia 76ers.

Midway through the third quarter, play came to a halt after the basketball became lodged behind the backboard. It created a lengthy delay as the 76ers’ Drummond unsuccessfully tried to knock it loose with a broom. Sensing both the crowd’s impatience and the Knicks’ growing momentum, Towns stepped in. He grabbed the broom himself and effortlessly freed the ball to a roaring ovation from the Garden faithful.

After the game, Towns explained that he simply wanted to keep New York rolling offensively.

“It seemed like they were struggling. I wanted to get the game going,” Towns said. “I already had a hot hand. I didn’t say anything to Andre.”

However, Towns did reveal a hilarious exchange with fellow Kentucky alum Tyrese Maxey afterward.

"It seemed like they were struggling. I wanted to get the game going. I already had a hot hand. I didn't say anything to Andre.”

Karl-Anthony Towns speaks on this play during the third quarter

(via @NBA)
pic.twitter.com/QDdKCiphWK https://t.co/3Joy2ConSa

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 7, 2026

“I went to Kentucky longer than you, so I had more experience with the geometry that comes with getting the ball off of that,” Towns joked.

He also gave a playful shoutout to former coach John Calipari and Kentucky’s teachers, saying: “So shout out to Cal and the amazing teachers we had at Kentucky.”

Beyond the viral moment, Towns has been instrumental in New York’s resurgence throughout the 2025-26 campaign. The Knicks big man averaged 20.1 points and 11.9 rebounds across 75 regular-season appearances while earning another All-Star selection. His postseason form has remained equally steady, including a 20-point, 10-rebound effort against Philadelphia in Game 2.

More importantly, Towns’ confidence has become contagious for a Knicks team suddenly looking increasingly dangerous in the Eastern Conference playoffs.

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