Emotional Return for Karl-Anthony Towns
*December 20, 2024* – Karl-Anthony Towns made a triumphant return to Minnesota, leading the New York Knicks past the Timberwolves with a commanding 133-107 victory at Target Center on Thursday night.
In a game marked by nostalgia and mixed feelings, Timberwolves guard Anthony Edwards expressed his frustrations, admitting he was “mad” about the loss but also thrilled for his former teammate. “Get traded, come back and beat your team by 30—I mean, that’s everything you dream of,” said Edwards. “I’m mad we lost, but on the inside, I’m super happy for him. That’s my dog.”
Impact of the Trade
The surprising trade of Towns to the Knicks earlier this season had sent ripples throughout the NBA. Coming off a high note after a remarkable previous season, where the Timberwolves achieved 56 wins and reached the Western Conference finals, the team faced challenges in the wake of the trade. Towns’ performance on Thursday, scoring 32 points on an impressive 10-of-12 shooting, served as a powerful reminder of what Minnesota lost.
Despite the defeat, several Timberwolves players put forth commendable performances, with Julius Randle leading the team with 24 points. Donte DiVincenzo added 15 from the bench, showcasing the competitive spirit that still resides in the squad.
Towns’ Stellar Performance
Towns dominated the game, recording a remarkable 32 points, coupled with 20 rebounds, six assists, and two steals over 38 minutes on the court. This marked his second game this season with at least 20 points and 20 rebounds.
Knicks Rising
The New York Knicks have been finding their rhythm, winning 12 of the last 16 games, and currently holding a strong position in the Eastern Conference with a record of 17-10.
The game was a mixture of celebration for Towns and disappointment for the Timberwolves, who struggled to recover from a significant second-quarter deficit.
What’s Next?
As the Knicks prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday, the Timberwolves will host the Golden State Warriors. Both teams will look to capitalize on their performances and address their weaknesses moving forward.
