Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the New York Knicks, seen here against the Cleveland Cavaliers during the NBA Eastern Conference Finals, talked about how he manages his pain. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
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The New York Knicks have been leveraging Karl-Anthony Towns to great effect against their opponents. Since shifting their seven-foot-tall center into a more central playmaking role, the Knicks have won 11 consecutive NBA playoff games. This performance has propelled them into the NBA championships against the San Antonio Spurs for the first time since 1999, when they last faced the Spurs.
I recently spoke with Towns, a six-time NBA All-Star, about how he manages his pain—an important factor as he heads into the grueling Finals. At 30, Towns is still performing at a high level, as evidenced by his averages of 16.9 points, 10.6 rebounds, 5.9 assists, 1.4 blocks, and 1.2 steals per game across 14 postseason contests, as well as his third all-NBA appearance last season.
Towns Will Face A Tall Task In The NBA Finals
Having completed 11 NBA seasons since being drafted from the University of Kentucky in 2015, Towns spent nine seasons with the Minnesota Timberwolves before joining the Knicks for the 2024-2025 season. Entering the 30-32 age range, where many players experience a decline in physical performance, Towns’ approach to managing the coming years will be crucial for his career longevity.
In the Finals, Towns faces the daunting challenge of guarding a younger and taller opponent—Victor Wembanyama of the Spurs. At 22 years old and standing seven feet four inches, Wembanyama towers over nearly every NBA player.
Karl-Anthony Towns #32 and Mikal Bridges #25 of the New York Knicks, seen here defending against Victor Wembanyama #1 of the San Antonio Spurs during the Emirates NBA Cup on December 16, 2025, will try to keep the Spurs center in check during the NBA Finals. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)
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Towns Has Long Had To Manage Pain
Often unseen is the pain Towns endures each game. His size—240 to 250 pounds—and the physical demands of basketball put significant strain on his body, particularly his joints. However, this is not new to Towns, who has dealt with pain since childhood in New Jersey, where he experienced growing pains. “I don’t remember a big growth spurt,” Towns recalls, noting his gradual growth. His body had to support his tall frame from an early age, especially while playing multiple sports like basketball, baseball, and soccer. Proper pain management and recovery are often overlooked but essential aspects of athletic performance.
Towns Has Been Using Ibuprofen For A Long Time
Towns’ lifelong battle with pain led him to adopt a pain relief regimen centered around Advil, a brand of ibuprofen. He has used Advil since childhood and has even promoted the Advil Exchange program, which encourages consumers to replace expired medications with fresh ones using coupons for Advil.
Ibuprofen alleviates pain by inhibiting COX-1 and COX-2 enzymes, which produce prostaglandins (PGs)—compounds that trigger pain and inflammation while also aiding in defense and repair mechanisms.
Though common, ibuprofen carries risks, including stomach ulcers and kidney damage, especially with prolonged use. Towns noted, “My threshold for playing might be higher than most. As long as I can play, I’m going to, even though sometimes I play when I probably shouldn’t.” For most people, pain indicates the need for rest, and if the cause of pain is unclear, consulting a doctor is advisable.
Towns Emphasized The Value Of Weightlifting
Towns also stressed the importance of weightlifting for maintaining health and performance. “I’m a big lifter,” he said, crediting weightlifting for his robust health at his size and stature. Muscles, he explained, provide crucial support for ligaments, bones, and joints.
Towns lifts weights year-round, focusing on building strength and achieving personal records without overstraining his body. “You want to maintain mass and also not do too much stress to the ligaments and joints and your body, saving that ATP for the games, the practice and the workouts like those on the court,” he added.
KAT Mentioned Saunas, Cold Plunges, Massages, Pilates And A Good Diet
Towns’ approach to pain management includes both heat and cold therapies. “I love the sauna,” he shared, alongside his experience with cold plunges, which he tried for three weeks in Japan. “I started it for that three weeks in Japan every single day, six or seven in the morning, ready to go. And then do some laps in the pool and it’s great.”
In addition to consistent massages, stretching, and Pilates, Towns values a good diet. He aims to consume low carbs strategically throughout the day, focusing on organic and time-sensitive meals.
Effective pain management is crucial for Towns’ quick reflexes and unique abilities, which are vital for the Knicks’ hopes of securing their first NBA title since 1973. Facing the Spurs, who have an average age of 25.1 years and are the second youngest team in NBA Finals history, Towns’ performance will be pivotal.
