The Knicks’ end-of-season struggles coincided with teams sticking wings onto Towns. And the Pistons were watching.

O’Neal’s response to Towns’ down game was the polar opposite of Stephen A. Smith, who took the Knicks big man to task on ESPN’s “First Take” on Tuesday morning and said he needed to do more to support Jalen Brunson.

Jalen Brunson put in a valiant effort to try and get the win for the Knicks. The talented offensive guard poured in 37 points, adding seven assists, and two steals in the loss.