The Indiana Pacers went into Madison Square Garden to face off against the New York Knicks in the Eastern Conference Finals and won not just one, but both of the first two games of the series. Heading back to Indiana with a 2-0 series lead was not something that many fans or analysts expected to see happen.

And yet, there was Towns, a five-time All-Star (including this season), subbing out with 9 minutes left and the Knicks trailing by nine to the Pacers. He did not return until the 2:25 mark with New York still trailing by nine. Reserve center Mitchell Robinson, a defensive stud who has offensive issues, was on the court in Towns’ place.

New York Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau isn't known for relying on his bench in crucial moments, but he broke from the norm by benching Karl-Anthony Towns for more than six minutes in the fourth quarter of Friday's 114-109 loss to the Indiana Pacers.