Knicks' Mike Brown provides brutally honest answer on Karl-Anthony Towns' defense

Knicks' Mike Brown provides brutally honest answer on Karl-Anthony Towns' defense originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New York Knicks hold a 1-0 series lead over the Atlanta Hawks in the first round of the NBA playoffs, and they'll look to carry the momentum of their Game 1 win into Game 2 on Monday night.

A major factor in their Game 1 victory was All-Star center Karl-Anthony Towns' effort, particularly on the defensive end. In 33 minutes of action, Towns blocked three shots and even recorded a steal.

It was a great effort from the maligned center, whose defensive effort can sometimes be called into question. Even his head coach knows that sometimes, Towns has to be motivated to put his best work on display for New York.

Mike Brown acknowledges Karl-Anthony Towns' defensive inconsistencies

In a press conference between Games 1 and 2, Knicks head coach Mike Brown was asked about Towns' defense in the first game of the series, and provided an interesting, but honest response.

"When KAT wants to, he can be a really, really good defender. Especially at his size, he can cause some problems. I've kind of said it all year long, it's a matter of whether or not he wants to do it that night. As of late, he's been really good on that end of the floor," Brown told the media.

Fans and analysts have long known about Towns' propensity to play lackadaisical defense, but clearly, he felt like trying in Game 1.

If the Knicks have any hope of making a run to the NBA Finals, they need Towns locked in on every defensive possession. We'll see if Brown's press conference comments keep the All-Star motivated throughout the playoffs.