For the first time in 50 years, the New York Knicks will have two starters in the NBA All-Star Game. Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns have earned their spots among the league’s elite, marking a milestone moment for a franchise that has long awaited a return to the national spotlight.
Brunson’s rise to stardom
Jalen Brunson has been the heart and soul of the Knicks since arriving in 2022. The 6’2″ guard has elevated his game to an All-Star level, averaging 26 points and 7.3 assists per game this season. His leadership on the court, combined with his ability to deliver in clutch moments, has made him a fan favorite at Madison Square Garden.
Brunson’s All-Star selection is not just a personal achievement. It’s a testament to how he has transformed the Knicks into a serious contender in the Eastern Conference. This will be his second All-Star appearance but his first time as a starter.
Karl-Anthony Towns’ immediate impact in New York
Karl-Anthony Towns’ arrival in New York was met with high expectations, and he has delivered. The former No. 1 overall pick is averaging 25.1 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.5 assists this season, making an immediate difference for the Knicks.
Towns’ ability to stretch the floor as a big man has given the Knicks a new offensive dynamic. Also, his dominance in the paint has solidified their frontcourt. His selection as an All-Star starter marks his fifth All-Star appearance but his first as a Knick.
The Knicks are back as All-Star protagonists
The last time the Knicks had two All-Star starters was in 1975 when Walt Frazier and Earl Monroe represented the team.
Now, half a century later, Brunson and Towns have reignited excitement for basketball in New York. This proves that the Knicks are once again a force to be reckoned with.
For years, Knicks fans have been waiting for a moment like this. With two All-Star starters and a team sitting among the top in the Eastern Conference, New York is once again a basketball powerhouse.
The 2025 NBA All-Star Game won’t just feature Knicks players. It will showcase the resurgence of a franchise that is finally ready to go after a championship.