Karl-Anthony Towns of the New York Knicks has won the NBA's Assist of the Season award for 2025-26. His 'spicy' pass to OG Anunoby in a game against the San Antonio Spurs was officially recognized as the league's best. This honor adds to a triumphant campaign where the Knicks recently beat the Spurs 94-90 on June 14, 2026, and are currently on a four-game winning streak with a 4W-1L record in their last five outings.
What was the award-winning play?
During a regular season game, Towns found himself trapped by San Antonio's Dylan Harper and Victor Wembanyama. He didn't panic. Towns evaded both defenders and threw a precise bounce pass right under Wembanyama's left hand. The ball landed perfectly in the hands of OG Anunoby, who finished the play with a powerful dunk. The NBA selected this moment as the number one assist from the entire season.
It was a signature play from a stellar individual year. Towns averaged 20.1 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 3.0 assists per game for the Knicks in the 2025-26 regular season. His performance earned him a sixth All-Star selection. And it was all part of a bigger story for the franchise.
Why does this matter for the New York Knicks?
This assist wasn't just a regular season highlight. It symbolized the Knicks' championship mentality. That play contributed to a season where New York eventually won the NBA Finals, beating the San Antonio Spurs 4-1. This victory secured the franchise's first championship since 1973, ending a painful 53-year title drought.
Towns' award is a key moment in a historic season. It showcases the team's unselfish play and high-level execution. Fans can relive the entire championship journey and check future matchups on the team's [fixtures](/fixtures) page. The Knicks' current form is strong, with four consecutive wins showing they've carried that momentum forward.
Who else was recognized for top assists?
The NBA's top five assists list featured some of the league's best playmakers. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder made the cut. So did James Harden of the LA Clippers and Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets. Alperen Sengun of the Houston Rockets also earned a spot on the prestigious list.
Having Towns top this group is a significant accolade. It places him among the elite passers in basketball today. His ability to create a scoring chance under intense pressure from two defenders defined the play. That skill was vital throughout the Knicks' playoff run to the title.
What's next for the Knicks and Towns?
Coming off a championship and with key players performing, the future is bright. The team's recent 94-90 win over San Antonio and their 4-1 record in the last five games prove they are still in top form. Maintaining this level will be the challenge as they look to defend their title.
For Karl-Anthony Towns, this award is a career highlight. Winning his first NBA championship and then earning the Assist of the Season honor cements his legacy. He transformed from a star individual player into a champion who makes his teammates better. The Knicks will need more of that magic as they build their new dynasty.
