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As the new year began, the Knicks' star center Karl-Anthony Towns had a memorable end to 2024 as he was awarded the prestigious title of NBA's Eastern Conference Player of the Month for December. This marked a significant achievement for Towns, as it was the first time in his career that he had received this honor.

KAT gets the honor after he averaged 23.2 points and 14.6 rebounds in 14 December games, which helped New York go an impressive 12-2 before the new year, including capping off 2024 by winning eight straight. After winning their first game of 2025, the Knicks are now 24-10, winners of nine in a row and in third place in the conference.

Towns, 29, is having an excellent first season in New York after coming over from the Minnesota Timberwolves in an offseason trade. In 32 games thus far, the 7-footer is averaging 24.9 points -- the most since his 2019-20 season (26.5) -- as well as a career-high 13.7 rebounds and 3.3 assists. His 54.8 shooting percentage from the floor and 44 percent from three are also the best of his 10-year career.

The Edison, N.J. native has fit in seamlessly with the rest of head coach Tom Thibodeau's starting lineup who have begun to peak since a bit of a slow start. Towns and Jalen Brunson have especially enjoyed playing off each other, creating havoc for opposing defenses.