Karl-Anthony Towns is anchoring an elite Knicks defense without Mitchell Robinson

Kris Pursiainen of Daily Knicks argues that Karl-Anthony Towns continues to successfully anchor an elite New York Knicks defense following Mitchell Robinson's departure to the Boston Celtics. Despite past reputations labeling Towns and Jalen Brunson as defensive liabilities, the writer highlights their pivotal roles under head coach Mike Brown in securing New York's 2026 NBA championship.

Pursiainen notes that the Knicks held the NBA's seventh-lowest defensive rating and allowed the third-fewest points in the paint early in the 2026-27 season. The article credits perimeter defenders Mikal Bridges, OG Anunoby, and Josh Hart, but maintains that Towns remains the primary anchor of New York's top-tier defense.