Karl-Anthony Cities It took some time to reflect on nine formative NBA seasons in Minnesota, arriving at the arena early for the morning shootaround before the rest of the New York Knicks.
Playing against a team he always thought he would be with for his entire career was such a surreal experience that he needed some extra time to prepare.
“All these moments that I’ve been blessed to be here in a Timberwolves jersey have meant a lot to have the opportunity,” Towns said at the end of an emotional night that turned exciting for him and the Knicks in a 133 – 107 Thursday romp.
There was no point in downplaying the significance of this reunion. Minnesota still means a lot to Towns. Despite some difficult years, he has had a significant impact on the organization and the community.
“Just a shoutout to my teammates for giving me the strength and putting me in a place to succeed. I think everyone saw it, they understood that the game was a big game for me personally,” said Towns, who 32 points, 20 rebounds and six assists.
“What can 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 a game: 30 points, 20 rebounds, five three-pointers and 80% shooting. He went 10 for 12 from the floor.
“I was super happy for him, man. That’s everything you dream about. Get traded, come back and beat your team by 30,” Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said. “I’m angry that we lost, but inside we’re super happy for him. That’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 just wanted to strengthen him and give him nothing but the best experience in the NBA and guide him through this whirlwind of pros,” Towns said. “I’m just honored to have been a part of his journey.”
Abbie Parr / AP
When Towns ran onto the field in his unfamiliar blue and orange warm-up, 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 fans after being formally introduced.
As strange as this experience was for everyone in the arena, there was also an undeniable presence of gratitude in the air.
“Whether it was basketball, off the court, family issues, no matter what, KAT was there for you. He always will be,” Timberwolves center Naz Reid said this week.
Towns was making his first appearance in Minnesota since being traded to New York three days before training camp began in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and the future salary cap flexibility that came with the expiration of his contract.
“Usually I’m the one in the Timberwolves jersey watching the tribute videos. But it’s a little weird being on the other side right now,” Towns said the morning before the game, high above the same interview room stage as he. I’ve talked to reporters for so many seasons.
Just a few months ago, a large framed print of him hung on the wall behind the riser, along with images of other stars who played at Target Center. Now, Edwards is without a doubt the main attraction in Minnesota.
After staying so loyal to a long-failing franchise, Towns thought he’d play for them as long as he was in the league, but it’s a cutthroat $11 billion business that leaves little time for nostalgia.
As attached as he was to the organization and the community, adjusting to the new place was made easier by the fact that he was born and raised nearby in New Jersey. The return to the center position was smoother, as he had just adjusted to the power forward spot over the past two years to accommodate the takeover of Rudy Gobert. With a default position of respect towards his teammates, changing teams mid-career becomes a little less intimidating.
In any case, the adjustment went well.
The Knicks (17-10) are in third place in the Eastern Conference, with twelve wins in their last sixteen games. Towns leads the way in rebounding. He is averaging almost 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 and outscored 37-8 in the first nine minutes of the second quarter. The energy in the crowd was gone at that point, and the Timberwolves never found theirs again. Knicks superfan Spike Lee held his ground throughout the game, wearing a Jalen Brunson jersey and a blue and orange Knicks stocking hat.
“You know this game wasn’t just any game,” Towns said. “If anyone told you otherwise, that’s a lie.”
