New York Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau has faced the same criticism since he took over the Chicago Bulls in 2010: he plays his star players big minutes throughout the season, and that led to wear-and-tear come playoff time.

Karl-Anthony Towns missed Monday's loss to the Orlando Magic due to a knee injury suffered in the past week. With concern growing about the team's viability as a top contender in the East, the center did what he needed to do to play.