From crowd roar to blowout win, Towns enjoys enjoyable return to Minnesota

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) – Karl-Anthony Towns took time to reflect on nine formatives NBA seasons in Minnesota, arriving early at the arena for the morning shootaround before the rest of the New York Knicks.

Playing against a team he had always figured he would be with his entire career was such a surreal experience that he needed a little extra time to prepare.

“All these moments that I’ve been blessed to have here in a Timberwolves jersey, it meant a lot that I got the chance,” Towns said at the end of an emotional night that turned exciting for him and the Knicks in a 133-107 frolic Thursday.

There was no point in trying to downplay the significance of this reunion. Minnesota still means a lot to Towns. Despite some difficult years, he made a big impact on the organization and the community.

“Just a shoutout to my teammates for stepping up and putting me in a spot to be successful. I think everybody saw that: They understood that the game was a big game for me personally,” said Towns, who had 32 points, 20 rebounds and six assists.

“What could you say? It was just a monster game,” coach Tom Thibodeau said.

Towns became the first player in NBA history to reach these benchmarks in one game: 30 points, 20 rebounds, five 3-pointers and 80% shooting. He went 10 for 12 from the floor.

“I was super happy for him, man. That’s all you dream about. Get traded, come back, beat your team by 30,” Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said. “I’m upset that we lost, but inside we’re super happy for him. He’s my dog.”

Edwards struggled to find his edge all night, going 7-for-16 for 17 points with seven assists.

“He knows he has a big brother in me. 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,” Towns said. “I’m just honored that I could be a part of his journey.”

When Towns jogged onto the court in his unfamiliar blue and orange warm-ups, the crowd immediately roared as he recognized his arrival as he flashed a familiar smile. He watched a two-minute tribute video from the bench and then waved to the fans after he was formally introduced.

As strange as this experience was to everyone inside the arena, there was also an unmistakable presence of gratitude in the air.

“Whether it was basketball, off the court, family issues, whatever it was, KAT was there for you. He always will be,” Timberwolves center Naz Reid said this week.

Towns made his first appearance in Minnesota since being traded three days before the start of training camp to New York in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and the future salary cap flexibility that accompanied the reading of his contract.

“Usually I’m the one in the Timberwolves jersey when I watch the tribute videos. But it’s a little weird to be on the other side now,” Towns said the morning before the game, towering over the same interview room podium he had been talking to reporters on for so many seasons.

Just a few months ago, a large framed print of him hung on the wall behind the riser, along with pictures of other stars playing at Target Center. Now Edwards is undoubtedly the main attraction in Minnesota.

After being so loyal to a longtime franchise, Towns figured he’d play for them as long as he was in the league, but it’s a horrendous $11 billion business that leaves little time for nostalgia.

As attached as he was to the organization and the community, his adjustment to the new location was made easier by the fact that he was born and raised near New Jersey. Returning to the center position was a smoother transition because he had just spent the last two years getting used to the power forward spot to accommodate the acquisition of Rudy Gobert. With a default position of respect for your teammates, switching teams mid-career becomes a little less intimidating.

By all accounts, the adjustment has gone well.

The Knicks (17-10) are in third place in the Eastern Conference with 12 wins in their last 16 games. Towns leads the league in rebounding. He is averaging nearly 25 points, his highest in four years.

Randle had 15 of his 24 points in the first quarter for the Timberwolves (14-12), who were a mess on offense, outscored 37-8 over the first nine minutes of the second quarter. The energy in the crowd was gone by then, and the Timberwolves never recovered theirs. Knicks superfan Spike Lee stayed up throughout the game, wearing a Jalen Brunson jersey and a blue and orange Knicks stocking cap.

“You know this game wasn’t just another game,” Towns said. “If anyone told you otherwise, it’s a lie.”

___

AP NBA:

---