Nobody’s happier for Karl-Anthony Towns as Anthony Edwards celebrates Knicks Stars’ revenge vs. Timberwolves

“At this point we have to look at ourselves in the mirror and decide what type of team we want to be on a consistent basis”. By making this statement shortly after mid-November, Anthony Edwards had addressed the Timberwolves’ need to improve amid a losing streak. The words may have caught on over the last few days as ANT’s team won 6 of their last 7 games. However, that was before the latest game against the New York Knicks.

As the minutes ticked down at the Target Center, the T-Wolves were down by 26 points! The loss may have stung. However, Anthony Edwards used the occasion not to mourn, but to celebrate for the sake of his former teammate: Karl-Anthony Towns.

In the aftermath of the Timberwolves-Knicks game, Anthony Edwards engaged in a Q&A session with several members of the media. When asked if he was happy for Karl-Anthony Towns, the 23-year-old answered bluntly: “I told him ‘Move down 30.’ I can’t show you my happiness, but damn, I was super damn happy for him. And I mean, that’s all you dream about. You get traded, come back and beat your team by 30. You know what I mean. I can’t be mad for him. I’m mad that we lost, but inside I’m super happy for him. He’s my dog”.

For 9 years, Towns had devoted his entire NBA tenure to one team. After the Minnesota Timberwolves signed Anthony Edwards in 2020, the duo looked to elevate the team to another level. It worked and they helped the Wolves reach the Conference Finals for the first time since 2004. After accomplishing the feat earlier this year, expectations were that they could repeat the feat or even advance.

That all changed at the end of September when Shams Charania revealed that KAT was going to be traded to the Knicks. There were reactions from all sides.

NBA reporter Jon Krawczynski immediately wrote, “KAT did not request this trade. He has never requested a move in 9 years here.”

Speaking about the trade during the Timberwolves’ media day, Anthony Edwards stated “I think everyone knows that KAT is my brother, so it really hurt.”

From Towns’ side, all fans had for weeks was an ellipsis (“…”), which he posted on X before Charania’s news update. Almost three months later, he faced his former team for the first time in a regular season game.

From New York Post to Sports Illustratednews media dubbed the latest matchup as ‘Revenge Game’. After all, Karl-Anthony Towns turned in a memorable performance by recording 32 points and 20 rebounds! He remained on top of the shooting game by going 10-12 (83.3%) with his field goals, 5-5 (100%) with his three-pointers and 7-9 (77.8%) with his free throws.

On the defensive front, Towns and fellow Knicks stars Anthony Edwards & Co. on the edge. When it was all over, the Knicks had won 133-107! Just as the Timberwolves thought things were going well for them, their former teammate came out to highlight the reality.

Magic Johnson had once stated that if he had to lose to anyone and be happy about it, he would lose to Michael Jordan. For Anthony Edwards, that similar feeling may exist. For Karl-Anthony Towns, this was his moment to shine. However, that still didn’t stop him from returning to Edwards’ love alone.

Despite being with different teams, Karl-Anthony Towns might continue to guide Anthony Edwards through “Whirlwind of being a pro”

It is true that in just 4 years, Anthony Edwards has created a unique individual identity for himself. However, it is important to note that he had the guidance of someone who was already in the league for another 5 years before him. When Karl-Anthony Towns was traded to the Knicks, you could say the 23-year-old lost not only a reliable teammate, but also a mentor. However, Towns wanted to make it clear that he could still serve in the latter capacity.

In the aftermath of the Timberwolves-Knicks game, Karl-Anthony Towns paid tribute to Anthony Edwards by saying, “That’s my brother, man. That’s my brother. If he ever needs anything, he’s got a brother in me. He called me, was in trouble (or) something, I’ll be the first one to answer. So he knows he has a big brother in me”.

Towns continued to discuss their bond, also adding, “I’ve only ever wanted to step him up and give him nothing but the best experience, being in the (NBA). And guide him through this ‘Whirlwind of being a pro.’ And I’m just honored that I could being a part of this journey could help him grow from a boy to a man”.

The respect between former teammates rarely evaporates. For Anthony Edwards and Karl-Anthony Towns, the upcoming season offers a different challenge. One must play without their veteran teammate, another must make a mark with his new team.

How they continue to do in dealing with both challenges is something that fans will continue to see.