Karl-Anthony Towns made an electrifying return to the Target Center in Minneapolis on Thursday night, facing his former team, the Minnesota Timberwolves, for the first time since being traded to the New York Knicks. Towns’ offensive mastery was on full display as he went 7-for-7 from the field and 4-for-4 from deep when matched against Rudy Gobert, making the reigning Defensive Player of the Year look outmatched.
In a standout performance, Towns scored 32 points and grabbed 20 rebounds, leading the Knicks to a commanding 133-107 victory. His near-perfect efficiency—10-of-12 shooting from the field and 5-of-5 from three-point range—cemented his dominance over his former teammates, particularly Rudy Gobert, who struggled to contain him.
Towns started his assault with a deep three-pointer, exploiting Gobert’s hesitation to close out. He followed it up by beating Gobert off the dribble for an and-one layup, leaving the crowd in awe.
Throughout the game, Towns showcased his versatility, hitting transition threes, scoring in the post with a turnaround jumper, and capitalizing on Gobert’s slow reactions by finding open shots from the corner. It was a masterclass in offensive basketball, with Towns consistently outsmarting one of the league’s premier defenders.
The night was particularly emotional for Towns, who spent nine seasons with the Timberwolves and remains the franchise’s second all-time leading scorer. Before the game, the Timberwolves played a heartfelt tribute video highlighting his contributions to the team.
The crowd responded with a standing ovation, and Towns couldn’t hold back a smile as he acknowledged the cheers. Despite the warm welcome, Towns was all business once the game began, spearheading a second-quarter surge that saw the Knicks outscore the Timberwolves 41-18, effectively putting the game out of reach by halftime.
The Timberwolves had no answers for Towns and the Knicks. While Rudy Gobert was tasked with guarding Towns, the matchup exposed Gobert’s limitations in defending players who can stretch the floor. Towns’ ability to dominate both inside and outside showcased the Timberwolves’ gamble in trading him and keeping Gobert.
The trade that sent Towns to New York included Julius Randle and other assets was shocking when it happened because it was a move that split up Minnesota’s towering frontcourt duo. The decision has been divisive among fans and analysts, especially as Towns continues to thrive in New York, averaging 24.8 points and a league-leading 13.9 rebounds per game this season.
Beyond his individual brilliance, Towns made history with his performance. He became only the second player in NBA history, alongside DeMarcus Cousins, to record at least 30 points, 20 rebounds, 5 assists, and 5 made three-pointers in a single game. Towns’ ability to excel in multiple facets of the game has elevated the Knicks, who are now poised to contend in the Eastern Conference.
As for the Timberwolves, the loss highlighted their struggles without Towns. Despite Anthony Edwards’ 17-point effort, the team lacked the firepower to compete with New York’s balanced attack. Towns’ triumphant return served as a stark reminder of what Minnesota lost and what the Knicks have gained—a franchise cornerstone capable of game-changing performances.
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