New York Knicks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 133-107: KAT’s returns for revenge

The New York Knicks blew out the Minnesota Timberwolves, 133-107, in a game that was over after two quarters. Karl-Anthony Towns made a triumphant return, ruining any chance for Julius Randle or Donte DiVincenzo to play a revenge game.

The game started sloppy but fast-paced. The Knicks turned the ball over repeatedly while looking for holes in Minnesota’s defense. The Wolves held the lead throughout the first quarter thanks to three-point shooting. 

But the Wolves cooled off in the second quarter, and New York took over. The Knicks’ aggression paid off, with Towns and Mikal Bridges leading the way. New York outscored Minnesota 41-18 in the quarter and never looked back.

The most impressive aspect of the win is the ball movement. The Knicks finished with 39 assists, often breaking down the defense without needing to dribble the ball. They passed and cut until Minnesota broke down.

Let’s look at the individuals who led the way for a successful night.

Notable Performances

This is why we traded for them

Karl-Anthony Towns: 32 PTS (10/12 FG, 5/5 3PT, 7/9 FT), 6 AST, 20 REB, 2 STL, 4 TO in 38 mins

The game ball goes to Karl-Anthony Towns, who returned to Minnesota to drop a 32-point, 20-rebound masterpiece. He started the game by passing but turning the ball over, still establishing a pass-first focus for everyone else. 

Then Towns got aggressive. He hit quick trigger threes off the catch and shoot, then drove the rack for more. If the Wolves doubled, KAT hit the cutter with a pass. He controlled the action from then on.

This was KAT’s best defensive effort of the season. He got stops at the rim, disrupted passes into the paint, and even picked up stops in transition. Towns took his game to an MVP level.

Mikal Bridges: 29 PTS (12/18 FG, 4/8 3PT, 1/1 FT), 6 AST, 6 REB, 1 STL, 3 TO in 36 mins

Everything looks easy when Mikal Bridges has it going. Bridges knocked down three-pointers and repeatedly cut through the middle of the floor for quick, easy looks.

Mikal easily reached and scored from his favorite spots and made the extra pass when available. He seemed to produce on all of his many paint touches.

Bridges’ defense held strong in frequent matchups with Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley. The former Net has found his rhythm in New York.

Contributions, despite some struggles

Jalen Brunson: 14 PTS (5/14 FG, 2/5 3PT, 2/2 FT), 7 AST, 3 REB, 1 STL, 3 TO in 30 mins

Despite poor shooting splits, Jalen Brunson started the game hot. Both teams started sloppy, but Brunson held New York’s offense up before cooling off after his initial stint on the floor.

The captain’s offense slowed, but everyone else’s shooting picked up. So, he capitalized by feeding hot hands and creating for everyone else. Brunson’s seven assists undersell his efficacy as a passer. 

On the negative side, Brunson squandered a few possessions with bad turnovers. But they came early in the game, as New York adjusted to Minny’s defensive gameplan.

Precious Achiuwa: 13 PTS (6/9 FG, 1/1 3PT), 2 AST, 10 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 28 mins

Precious Achiuwa drew the short straw, guarding a fired-up Julius Randle for his first start of the season. Achiuwa struggled early, understandably so.

But after a quick hook in the first, Precious re-entered the game and found his flow. As everyone else broke down the defense, he began to eat off cuts into the dunker’s spot. Precious even knocked down a corner three after finding his rhythm.

Achiuwa’s defense and rebounding helped everyone else. He gave New York the size and mobility to play aggressive help defense. Two-bigs sets look viable for this roster.

Defense and passing make up for poor shooting

Miles McBride: 16 PTS (6/13 FG, 4/9 3PT), 8 AST, 5 REB, 1 STL, 1 TO in 29 mins

Deuce McBride knocked down energizing buckets all game long. He grabbed offensive rebounds off his misses and turned them into positive results. Deuce often outworked everyone else.

McBride’s shooting numbers picked up with a pair of garbage time buckets. He didn’t shoot the ball well but made up for it with playmaking and defense. 

OG Anunoby: 9 PTS (3/8 FG, 1/5 3PT, 2/2 FT), 4 AST, 3 REB, 2 STL, 1 BLK in 30 mins

With so many hot hands on offense, OG Anunoby became the odd man out. He got infrequent touches and missed his best looks from the field.

But Anunoby dominated the defensive end. He halted Julius Randle’s hot shooting and repeatedly stole the ball when Randle tried his patented spin. 

More Notes

• Cam Payne’s shot selection is the definition of insanity, but he hits just enough of his attempts and hustles so much that I never get mad at him.

• Jericho Sims gave the Knicks strong minutes off the bench, particularly in the first quarter, while subbing in for Precious.

• As garbage time set in, Matt Ryan showcased some instant offense potential thanks to his constant motion into open space. No one else showed much in the limited time.

Closing Thoughts

I asked for a statement against the Wolves in my last recap. The Knicks gave me a dominant victory on the road despite being down a starter. They controlled every facet of this game except turnovers.

These are the wins that turn a good team into a contender. New York looked motivated at both ends from the opening tip and never let up, even when the lead ballooned past 30. If the Knicks play with this energy, they can beat anyone.

The Pelicans are next, reeling from a five-game losing streak. I’m hoping for another blowout victory. I’ll see you next time, Knicks fam!