Karl-Anthony Towns goes off in 32-point revenge game as Knicks crush Timberwolves
MINNEAPOLIS — Julius Randle tried but failed miserably to hijack Karl-Anthony Towns’ big night. With revenge clearly on his mind and a determined look on his face, Randle came out aggressive and angry, dropping 15 points in the opening quarter.But his start was more sizzle than steak as the Knicks, behind an emotional and effective performance from Towns, dominated the final three quarters of a 133-107 statement obliteration. For Thursday night and the first third of this season, the Knicks (17-10) won the trade.
Towns has been a stat stuffer and reinforced his status as an East All-Star starter candidate with 32 points on 10 of 12 shooting, 20 boards and six assists.The other Knicks newcomer, Mikal Bridges, added 29 points on 12 of 18 from the field.
The Knicks led by at least 20 points for the final 31 minutes as Tom Thibodeau, infamously uncomfortable with large leads, emptied his bench with nine minutes left. It was Randle’s first game against the Knicks since his contract extension talks went nowhere and he was shipped to the Timberwolves for Towns.A day prior, Randle playfully stonewalled questions about facing his former team, an interview that demonstrated, if nothing else, his desire to disconnect from the Knicks despite five seasons with the franchise. Then on Thursday, Randle started with powerful moves and one angry shout at the Knicks bench following his trey.
He was grooving.But everything changed in the second quarter. OG Anunoby switched on Randle, prompting a couple of turnovers and some ugly Timberwolves possessions.
The Knicks’ offense hit full stride and launched a 37-8 run to take full control.Minnesota’s best defense of the second quarter arrived courtesy of the arena security, who tackled two women in neon cheerleader outfits who attempted to run on the court.
One didn’t get past the first sideline.Both were quickly arrested. The half ended with a 22-point Knicks lead and the home crowd booing the Timberwolves (14-12).
...