Brian Windhorst Had a Stunningly Blunt Take on Karl-Anthony Towns vs. Victor Wembanyama

The New York Knicks are two wins away from ending a championship drought that stretches back more than five decades, while plenty of attention has been placed on Victor Wembanyama entering the 2026 NBA Finals, the early story of the series has been something very different. In just two NBA games played for the San Antonio Spurs, KAT has altered the game everyone thought would be run by the star player of the Spurs.

The Knicks managed to pull off a 105-104 win in Game 2, held on June 6, giving them a comfortable 2-0 series lead and continuing their playoff win streak to 13 games. With the Finals shifting to Madison Square Garden, one ESPN insider is convinced that Towns has made the biggest difference for the Knicks being half-way through to their first title in 1973.

Brian Windhorst Says Karl-Anthony Towns Is Outplaying Victor Wembanyama In NBA Finals

Speaking on ESPN’s Get Up following Game 2, Brian Windhorst delivered one of the strongest endorsements of Towns’ postseason run to date. While Wembanyama’s box-score numbers remain impressive, Windhorst argued that the head-to-head battle has not been close through two games.

“And it’s absolutely the difference what’s going on right now and if he can do it for a couple more days. He’s going to the Hall of Fame.” 

Brian Windhorst says Karl-Anthony Towns is kicking Wembanyama a** in this series:

“And it’s absolutely the difference what’s going on right now and if he can do it for a couple more days. He’s going to the Hall of Fame.” pic.twitter.com/UhlHBZLggZ

— NBA Courtside (@NBA__Courtside) June 8, 2026

Windhorst made his remarks following another excellent game by Towns, who recorded 21 points, 13 rebounds, and 4 assists in Game 2. So far in the first two games of the Finals, Towns is averaging 19.5 points, 12.5 rebounds, and 4.0 assists, along with shooting 56% from the field and 43% from three-point range. The compliment wasn’t just for his scoring abilities. Windhorst highlighted the way the Knicks have simplified their defensive approach against Wembanyama. Rather than constantly sending help defenders or aggressive double teams, the Knicks have largely trusted Towns to handle the matchup one-on-one.

That strategy has worked far better than many expected. The Finals have shown some things about Wembanyama when Towns is guarding him. Wembanyama made 7 out of 19 shots when Towns was on him. The Spurs star also made some mistakes against Wembanyama that cost his team. These mistakes happened in the game and helped the Knicks gain momentum.

A week ago, nobody would have believed what is happening now. Towns is making Wembanyama look uncomfortable for periods of time. This is surprising because Wembanyama is one of the young players in basketball. The numbers are interesting. Wembanyama is still scoring 27.5 points. Grabbing 10.5 rebounds per game. However he is only making 40.5 percent of his shots and 26.7 percent of his three-pointers. He is also getting into trouble and turning the ball over.

Towns is now a player in the Knicks’ success. The Knicks have already beaten the Atlanta Hawks, Philadelphia 76ers and Cleveland Cavaliers in the playoffs. Now they are up 2-0 in the Finals. Have the next game at home. Towns is helping the Knicks try to win the championship.

If the Knicks win the championship people will probably think about Towns career in a way. Now Towns is doing something that nobody expected. He is beating Wembanyama, who many people think will be the player, in the NBA soon. This is a deal because Wembanyama is an amazing player and Towns is outplaying him. The Knicks and Towns are having a season and it will be interesting to see what happens next.