The New York Knicks aren’t done yet. Behind Jalen Brunson ’s 32-point outburst and Karl-Anthony Towns ' gritty double-double, the Knicks staved off elimination with a 111-94 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Finals at Madison Square Garden . But while Towns delivered on the scoreboard, his performance drew sharp criticism from Hall of Famer Charles Barkley on national television.
Charles Barkley calls out Karl-Anthony Towns’ foul troubles on live TV
In a candid postgame segment on TNT, Charles Barkley didn’t hold anything back when discussing Karl-Anthony Towns’ tendency to rack up avoidable fouls. Of course, it was a pattern that nearly cost the Knicks their momentum during Game 5.
“I gotta say something, I gotta criticize you,” Barkley told Towns face-to-face. “Why do you be getting them dumb fouls? Why do you do that?”
Barkley, doubling down on his point, added, “'Cause, you know, when you got your fourth foul, they took out, they made a run. You gotta stop doing that.”
In a rare moment of accountability, Towns replied, “You ain’t wrong.”
Amid his foul trouble, Towns finished the night with five personal fouls, but he was a key factor in the game. He dropped 24 points on 10-of-20 shooting and secured 13 rebounds, 11 of them defensive. He also had three assists and posted a game-high +26 plus-minus, showing his overall impact despite the lapses.
Yet, Towns powered through a bruised knee and continued to battle in the paint. His A-game helped New York dominate the glass and control the pace. The crowd at Madison Square Garden roared alongside the multiple high-profile celebrity appearances.
Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 23 points off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to close the series. Tyrese Haliburton had a devastating night, adding just 8 points alongside 6 assists and 2 rebounds. Although he didn’t commit any turnovers, he had one personal foul.
Also Read: Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks (05/29): Box score, player stats, game summary and more
With the win, the Knicks forced a Game 6 and kept their season alive. Now the series at 3-2, and the Knocks are looking to secure their spot at the finals. The Pacers must come back with dominance to survive in the next game of the conference finals.
Charles Barkley calls out Karl-Anthony Towns’ foul troubles on live TV
In a candid postgame segment on TNT, Charles Barkley didn’t hold anything back when discussing Karl-Anthony Towns’ tendency to rack up avoidable fouls. Of course, it was a pattern that nearly cost the Knicks their momentum during Game 5.
“I gotta say something, I gotta criticize you,” Barkley told Towns face-to-face. “Why do you be getting them dumb fouls? Why do you do that?”
Towns, who was aware of the concern, could only respond with, “God only knows.”Chuck: "Why do you be getting them dumb fouls?" 😅😂
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 30, 2025
KAT: "God only knows." pic.twitter.com/PMF2zq3SJK
Barkley, doubling down on his point, added, “'Cause, you know, when you got your fourth foul, they took out, they made a run. You gotta stop doing that.”
In a rare moment of accountability, Towns replied, “You ain’t wrong.”
Amid his foul trouble, Towns finished the night with five personal fouls, but he was a key factor in the game. He dropped 24 points on 10-of-20 shooting and secured 13 rebounds, 11 of them defensive. He also had three assists and posted a game-high +26 plus-minus, showing his overall impact despite the lapses.
Yet, Towns powered through a bruised knee and continued to battle in the paint. His A-game helped New York dominate the glass and control the pace. The crowd at Madison Square Garden roared alongside the multiple high-profile celebrity appearances.
Bennedict Mathurin led the Pacers with 23 points off the bench, but it wasn’t enough to close the series. Tyrese Haliburton had a devastating night, adding just 8 points alongside 6 assists and 2 rebounds. Although he didn’t commit any turnovers, he had one personal foul.
Also Read: Indiana Pacers vs New York Knicks (05/29): Box score, player stats, game summary and more
With the win, the Knicks forced a Game 6 and kept their season alive. Now the series at 3-2, and the Knocks are looking to secure their spot at the finals. The Pacers must come back with dominance to survive in the next game of the conference finals.
You may also like
Operation Sindoor is the biggest and most successful anti-terror operation in the history of India: PM Modi in Madhya Pradesh
'BJP thinks of itself as being biggest patriots': Shiv Sena (UBT) on 'go to Pak if you want proof' remarks
7.5 Lakh+ Styles, 400+ Top Brands: Flipkart's EOSS 2025 Promises Unmatched Fashion for Millions of Indians
AAP still in coma after defeat, I wish them well: BJP Delhi chief hits back at protest plans
Siliguri Strikers Retain Marquee Player Akash Deep For Bengal Pro T20 League Season 2
