Fans of the Minnesota Timberwolves were expecting big things from Karl-Anthony Towns during the playoffs.
So far, what they are getting is a big disappointment.
While he did put up 29 points in Game 1 of the series, he has since been a non-issue for his opponent, the Memphis Grizzlies.
Take Thursday night for example, when Towns’ presence on the court was minimal at best.
Not sure if this is already out there, but just looked it up: KAT only shooting four shots in tonight's game was the lowest shot total of his career.
— Dane Moore (@DaneMooreNBA) April 22, 2022
Towns only shot four times in Thursday’s shocking defeat to the Grizzlies, totaling 8 points.
Meanwhile, he also grabbed 5 rebounds and 1 assist in 32 minutes played.
In other words, Towns didn’t look like the breakout NBA phenom that Timberwolves fans know him as.
He’s not stepping up – in fact, he’s stepping down.
Where Is KAT?
What is going on with Towns and why is he not acting like himself in the postseason?
There is much speculation about why he isn’t performing well with many people saying the pressure of being in the playoffs has gotten to him.
Another reason is that the Grizzlies have figured out how to shut him down.
The Grizz have been suffocating Towns and swarming all over him no matter where he moves on the floor.
This has drastically impaired his output and, consequently, crippled the Timberwolves’ offense.
If Towns isn’t playing well, the rest of the team greatly suffers.
You have probably heard numerous NBA stars mention that the playoffs are a whole different beast than the regular season.
The rough road for the Timberwolves proves that no matter how great a regular season you have, things are wildly different when you enter the postseason.
Minnesota had a terrific year but they are now facing the harsh reality of the playoffs.
NEXT: Karl-Anthony Towns Had A Simple Plan After Epic Collapse