Karl Anthony Towns (Image Via Getty)The New York Knicks are heading into one of their biggest games of the season, and fans have been closely watching the status of Karl-Anthony Towns. The good news for New York is that the star big man is expected to play in Game 5 of the 2026 NBA Finals against the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday, June 14. With the championship series reaching a critical stage, Towns’ presence could play a major role in determining which team gains the upper hand. The veteran center has already delivered important performances throughout the Finals and remains one of the Knicks’ most valuable players on both ends of the floor.Karl-Anthony Towns’ NBA Finals performances so farCategoryTotal Through Reported Finals GamesPoints31Rebounds22Average Points15.5Average Rebounds11.0Double-Doubles2Biggest Rebounding Game12 rebounds (Game 1)Latest Finals Performance13 points, 10 rebounds (Game 4)Karl-Anthony Towns remains a key piece for New YorkWhile Towns’ scoring numbers might not always end up on the headlines, his overall impact is way bigger than just points. The ex All Star brings the Knicks some real bulk, strong glass work, solid floor spacing, and even a tough defensive backbone. His ability to pull the defense outward makes opposing groups have to honor his outside jumper, so suddenly there’s more room for his teammates to slip in and press the rim.Towns has also been one of New York’s most dependable rebound guys in these Finals runs. His 12 rebounds in Game 1, and then 10 rebounds in Game 4, helped the Knicks steer more second chance looks and keep San Antonio from stacking up extra possessions.On the defensive end, Towns offers meaningful rim protection plus that physical grit in the paint. Against a Spurs team that loves to get to the inside, his size matters even more. The Knicks really count on him to fight for boards, disrupt shots, and stop San Antonio from owning the area near the basket.And honestly, his experience in high pressure settings is another thing that makes New York need him out there. NBA Finals games often turn on tiny moments, and Towns’ veteran feel can help keep the Knicks steady when the pressure climbs up.Why Knicks vs. Spurs Game 5 matters so muchGame 5 is usually seen as one of the most key contests in a Finals series; momentum can flip pretty quick, and the team that wins tends to land in a really good spot for the games that are left.For the Knicks, a victory would put them one more step closer to locking up an NBA championship. Playing at home gives New York that extra boost, but the Spurs have shown throughout the postseason that they can deal with hostile arenas just fine.This matchup is also kinda intriguing because the styles don't really match up. San Antonio comes in with youth, real athleticism, and a faster rhythm on offense, while New York leans on experience, gritty physical play, and a strong presence near the paint. So yeah, Towns ends up being one of the most crucial players you can watch, because a lot can flow from there.If he keeps controlling the glass, gives you productive points, and stays as a defensive anchor, the Knicks should have a much better chance of grabbing a vital Game 5, and inching closer to the title overall.