Knicks Lose Game 2 Eastern Conference Finals After Towns Benched Fourth Quarter

In Game 2 of the Eastern Conference Finals, Karl-Anthony Towns scored 20 points and grabbed seven rebounds but was benched for nearly seven crucial minutes in the fourth quarter as the New York Knicks leaned on the defensively skilled Mitchell Robinson. Coach Tom Thibodeau favored Robinson's defensive presence during this critical stretch despite Towns being named to the All-NBA third team for his strong regular season performance. The Knicks ultimately lost 114-109 to the Indiana Pacers, trailing 2-0 in the series, with the team struggling defensively when Towns was on the floor. Robinson, playing a playoff-high 29 minutes, provided energy and defensive contributions with nine rebounds and three blocks, but the Knicks still fell short. Towns acknowledged the difficulty of the loss but emphasized the need for the team to regroup and focus on making history rather than dwelling on past collapses. The Knicks now face must-win games in Indiana to stay alive in the series.