The New York Knicks’ two leaders are a nose away from being named starters for the 2025 NBA All-Star Game.
Knicks could have 2 All-Star starters this season
Knicks vanguards Karl-Anthony Towns and Jalen Brunson are both in the top four in their respective brackets after the third round of voting results came back on Thursday. The NBA shared the third tally, which has Towns (2,455,331 votes) situated at No. 3 among frontcourt stars and Brunson (1,243,385 votes) at No. 4 among guards in the East (h/t Geoff Magliocchetti of New York Knicks on SI).
Towns has a good chance to start despite elite competition
Towns is enjoying one of, if not the best individual season of his career. In comparison to his peers vying for a starting spot at All-Star Weekend’s main event, the Kentucky product has a winning advantage over leading frontcourt vote-getter Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks). His Knicks (27-15) have a 3.5-game advantage over the Bucks (22-17).
The New Jersey native has New York nipping at the Boston Celtics’ (28-12) heels, but their standout star Jayson Tatum ranks No. 5 in the league in scoring at 27.7 points per game. Thus, Towns, who is No. 2 in the Association in rebounding (13.9 rebounds per game), will have that, plus his 25.4 PPG and show-stopping playmaking as his main draws for voters to rally around.
Brunson is knocking at the door of his first All-Star start
As for Brunson, the Villanova product is within 27,000 tallies of overtaking reigning All-Star Game MVP Damian Lillard (Bucks). Having upped his distribution this year, Brunson’s career-high 7.5 assists per game, in conjunction with his 26 PPG and clutch play makes him one of the more exciting players to watch in the league.
However, he may run into difficulties catching LaMelo Ball (Charlotte Hornets), who not only ranks No. 4 in the league in scoring (29.6 PPG), but is also the No. 1 three-point shooter (4.4 3PM) and has a popular personal brand. Donovan Mitchell (Cleveland Cavaliers) could be overtaken, though the Louisville product has the Cavs on an absolute tear with the best record in the Association at 34-6.
A starting nod for Brunson would be the first of his career. Towns running with the first five would be a first for him as well. They’ll look to continue leading the Knicks to wins before the final announcement is made.