Knicks Stars Brunson and Towns Shine at NBA All-Star Weekend

Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns compete against each other, then celebrate as teammates during the league's annual showcase event.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns both made the 2026 NBA All-Star team and traveled to Los Angeles for the league's annual showcase event. The duo first teamed up to win the Shooting Stars Challenge on Saturday, then faced off against each other during the main All-Star Game on Sunday, with Towns guarding Brunson at one point. Brunson and Towns shared a lighthearted exchange about their matchup, highlighting the strong rapport and mutual respect between the two franchise cornerstones.

Why it matters

The Knicks entered the All-Star break with a 35-20 record, ranking third in the Eastern Conference. Brunson and Towns' successful collaboration during All-Star Weekend bodes well for the team's second-half push toward the playoffs, as the two players aim to continue elevating the Knicks' performance through their on-court partnership.

The details

During the Shooting Stars Challenge, Brunson and Towns teamed up with Knicks legend Allan Houston to claim the championship trophy, allowing the two All-Stars to develop chemistry away from regular-season pressures. In the main All-Star Game, Brunson and Towns found themselves matched up against each other, with Towns guarding Brunson at one point. Brunson responded with a playful comment, saying "Whenever KAT's guarding me, I know what's gonna happen," showcasing the confident rapport between the two teammates.

  • The 2026 NBA All-Star Weekend took place in Los Angeles from February 14-16, 2026.
  • The Shooting Stars Challenge was held on Saturday, February 15, 2026.
  • The NBA All-Star Game was played on Sunday, February 16, 2026.

The players

Jalen Brunson

The starting point guard for the New York Knicks, who was selected to his first NBA All-Star team this season.

Karl-Anthony Towns

The starting center for the New York Knicks, who was also selected to his first NBA All-Star team this season after being traded to the Knicks from the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Allan Houston

A Knicks legend and former NBA All-Star, who teamed up with Brunson and Towns to win the Shooting Stars Challenge during All-Star Weekend.

Anthony Edwards

The Minnesota Timberwolves guard who was named the 2026 NBA All-Star Game MVP.

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What they’re saying

“I knew no matter what shot I shot, the ball was going in.”

— Jalen Brunson (NBA)

“It's a blessing to have a teammate with me at All-Star weekend, someone so greatly talented like Jalen Brunson. It's really cool to be able to know that after All-Star we're gonna go be teammates.”

— Karl-Anthony Towns (New York Basketball)

What’s next

The Knicks will look to build on their strong first-half performance as they push for a high playoff seed in the Eastern Conference. Brunson and Towns' successful partnership during All-Star Weekend should help them continue to elevate the team's play in the second half of the season.

The takeaway

The camaraderie and mutual respect between Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns, as showcased during the NBA All-Star Weekend, exemplifies the type of dynamic partnership that can propel the Knicks to new heights. Their ability to compete fiercely against each other while also celebrating each other's success bodes well for the team's championship aspirations.