Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns still struggling to return to pre-injury shooting form

Karl-Anthony Towns’ shooting slump since returning from a thumb injury continued Saturday night, with just 11 points on 3-for-11 shooting in the Knicks’ loss to the Lakers.

The first-time All-Star starter is averaging 17.5 points while shooting just .432 from the floor and 20 percent (4-for-20) from 3-point range in six games since missing two with a sprain and a bone chip in his right thumb in mid-January.

“Just didn’t shoot well tonight,” Towns said after Saturday’s game. “I got my opportunities. Last game [against the Nuggets], I didn’t shoot well from 3, and I haven’t been shooting well from 3, but I got more than enough talent excluding my sH๏τ to make something happen.

“I just didn’t do it today. It’s tough, but keep your head up, move on and get ready for the next one.”

The Lakers were playing without injured All-Star center Anthony Davis, who was dealt to Dallas after the game in a blockbuster trade that brought Luka Doncic to Los Angeles.

“They were swarming, and when they went small, they were doubling KAT,” Tom Thibodeau said. “We gotta make sH๏τs when you’re getting double-teamed.”

Josh Hart’s seventh triple-double of the season made him the first Knick since Micheal Ray Richardson in 1981-82 and only the third player in franchise history to record seven or more in a single season.

Hart is one shy of Walt Frazier’s franchise record of eight triple-doubles, established in 1968-69.

Precious Achiuwa recorded season highs with 15 points and 15 rebounds in 29 minutes off the bench against the Lakers. It marked his first game of at least 15 in both categories since also posting 15 and 15 with the Raptors against Boston in October 2021.