Towns dominates in return to Minnesota as Knicks rout Wolves 133-107

The New York Knicks delivered a commanding performance in Minnesota, with Karl-Anthony Towns making a triumphant return to his old stomping grounds. Towns posted a monstrous 32 points and 20 rebounds, leading the Knicks to a 133-107 blowout over the Timberwolves.

The game shifted dramatically in the second quarter, one of the Knicks’ most dominant this season. After trailing 33-32 at the end of the first, New York launched a stunning 25-2 run, holding the Wolves scoreless for nearly five minutes. The surge was capped by a Miles McBride three-pointer, assisted by OG Anunoby after a steal on Julius Randle, putting the Knicks ahead 67-41. By halftime, the Knicks had built a commanding 73-51 lead.

Mikal Bridges kept the momentum rolling in the third quarter, scoring 11 of his 29 points during the period. Bridges was lethal, shooting 12-18 from the field and 4-8 from beyond the arc. Precious Achiuwa, stepping into the starting lineup for Josh Hart (out due to personal reasons), also made a significant impact with 13 points and 10 rebounds. His third-quarter highlight reel included a three-pointer and a perfectly threaded assist to Bridges under the hoop, extending the Knicks’ lead to 96-63.

Towns’ layup late in the third gave New York its biggest lead of the night, 104-68, heading into the fourth.

“I was here nine years. That’s a long time. I called this place home. To be back here, to be able to sleep in my house one more time, it was really a nostalgic feeling.”

– Karl-Anthony Towns

Coach Tom Thibodeau gave the younger players extended minutes in the fourth quarter, with Jericho Sims logging six points and six rebounds in the final period. Pacome Dadiet, Matt Ryan, Tyler Kolek, and Ariel Hukporti also saw time on the floor, contributing to the Knicks’ total domination.

Julius Randle, playing against the Knicks for the first time since being traded, led the Timberwolves with 24 points, 13 of which came in the first quarter. Anthony Edwards added 17 points, while former Knick Donte DiVincenzo chipped in 15 off the bench. Despite their efforts, Minnesota was overwhelmed on the boards, as the Knicks out-rebounded them 57-37, including 16 offensive rebounds.

The Knicks’ red-hot offense knocked down 20 three-pointers and dished out 39 assists, showcasing their ball movement and depth. They’ve now won seven of their last 10 games and sit comfortably in third place in the Eastern Conference standings, one game ahead of the Orlando Magic.

Up-next: The Knicks will travel to New Orleans to take on the Pelicans (5-23) on Saturday from 8:30pm ET.