March 20, 2025 — Netflix is set to launch one of the most eagerly awaited sports documentaries of the year, giving fans an inside look into the lives of New York Knicks stars Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns. Titled The Rise of the Garden: Jalen & KAT, the documentary promises to reveal personal stories, unprecedented behind-the-scenes footage, and insightful interviews with two of the most electrifying players in the NBA today.
With both players playing pivotal roles for the Knicks, The Rise of the Garden offers an unprecedented look at their journeys — from their early days in basketball to becoming two of the league’s biggest stars. Fans will get a chance to experience the highs and lows of their careers, their shared love for the game, and their unique bond as teammates.
An In-Depth Look at the Stars
Jalen Brunson, the heart and soul of the Knicks’ offense, has taken the league by storm with his remarkable ability to control the pace of the game, his clutch performances, and his leadership on the floor. The documentary dives into his childhood in New Jersey, where he grew up surrounded by basketball, with his father, Rick Brunson, a former NBA player, as a major influence in shaping his game. It also covers his meteoric rise from a standout career at Villanova to his breakout season with the Dallas Mavericks, and his eventual signing with the Knicks in 2022, where he’s become one of the premier point guards in the league.
On the other side, Karl-Anthony Towns, known affectionately as “KAT,” has been a force in the NBA for nearly a decade. His versatility as a center, able to shoot from beyond the arc and dominate in the paint, has made him one of the most respected big men in the game. Hailing from the Dominican Republic and raised in New Jersey, Towns’ story is one of perseverance, passion, and transformation. The documentary explores his rise to stardom with the Minnesota Timberwolves, his mental and physical challenges, and his return to the spotlight after personal tragedy. Towns’ leadership and love for his Dominican heritage also take center stage, as the documentary sheds light on his deep commitment to his community and his country.
But it’s not just about their individual achievements. The Rise of the Garden focuses on how their partnership in New York has reshaped the Knicks’ fortunes. The duo’s chemistry both on and off the court has been integral to New York’s resurgence in recent seasons, culminating in their first playoff appearance together in 2024. Through candid interviews and rare footage, the documentary shows how they’ve formed an almost symbiotic relationship, learning from each other and pushing each other to new heights.
A Glimpse Into the Culture of the Knicks
The documentary also provides an inside look at the New York Knicks’ culture, which has undergone significant transformation in recent years. Under the leadership of head coach Tom Thibodeau, the team has embraced a blue-collar work ethic and a defensive-first mentality that has turned Madison Square Garden back into a fortress. Brunson’s leadership style, based on hard work and sacrifice, is explored in detail, while Towns’ larger-than-life personality adds a new layer of energy and enthusiasm to the team dynamic.
Filmed over the past two seasons, the documentary takes viewers from the high-stakes playoff games at the Garden to the quiet moments in the locker room, where players open up about the pressures and rewards of being an NBA star. Footage from their training sessions, travel days, and personal moments at home provide an intimate look at the lives of two athletes who have quickly become fan favorites in the Big Apple.
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the NBA
What sets The Rise of the Garden apart from other sports documentaries is its commitment to authenticity. This is not just another highlight reel of jaw-dropping plays and game-winning shots. Instead, the film focuses on the human side of the sport, offering a raw, unfiltered look at the sacrifices and struggles that come with the relentless grind of professional basketball.
Fans will also get to hear from family members, coaches, and teammates who have shaped Brunson and Towns’ careers. From Brunson’s father Rick, who reflects on his son’s development as a player, to Towns’ mother, Jacqueline, who discusses his resilience and dedication, the documentary paints a picture of two young men who have always believed in themselves, even when the odds seemed insurmountable.
The film doesn’t shy away from the emotional challenges both players have faced — from dealing with the pressure of living up to expectations to overcoming personal setbacks. Jalen Brunson’s decision to leave his comfort zone in Dallas for a new chapter in New York is explored in detail, while Towns’ journey of personal growth, following the tragic passing of his mother due to COVID-19, is one of the most poignant aspects of the film.
Release Date and What Fans Can Expect
Netflix confirmed today that The Rise of the Garden: Jalen & KAT will be released on April 15, 2025. Fans can expect a deep dive into the lives of two of the NBA’s most exciting stars, capturing both their personal and professional triumphs and challenges. With exclusive interviews, never-before-seen footage, and a powerful narrative, the documentary promises to be a must-watch for basketball fans everywhere.
For Knicks fans, this documentary is not just about basketball — it’s a celebration of their team’s resurgence and a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in the NBA.
Get ready to experience the untold stories behind Jalen Brunson and Karl-Anthony Towns’ rise to superstardom, and witness how their partnership is helping to bring the New York Knicks back to the top of the NBA.
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