New York Knicks head coach Mike Brown has praised Karl-Anthony Towns' defense following the team's 113-102 victory over the Atlanta Hawks in Game 1 of their first-round playoff series. Brown stated that when Towns "wants to do well, he can cause some problems." Towns finished with 25 points, eight rebounds and four assists, while also contributing three blocks and one steal. His improved defense contributed to the Knicks' No. 7 defensive rating during the regular season.