Towns tears up T-wolves in return with 32 points and 20 rebounds in 133-107 romp by Knicks

MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Karl-Anthony Towns made a triumphant return to Minnesota, putting up 32 points and 20 rebounds to lead the New York Knicks to a dominant 133-107 victory over the Timberwolves on Thursday night.

Mikal Bridges added 29 points for the Knicks, who built a commanding 36-point lead in the third quarter and secured their 12th win in 16 games.

Before the game, Towns received a heartfelt tribute, including a video showcasing his nine seasons with the Timberwolves after being selected first overall in the 2015 draft. Traded to New York just before training camp in exchange for Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo, Towns played with enthusiasm from start to finish as the Knicks exploded for a 73-point first half.

Julius Randle contributed 24 points for Minnesota, who struggled throughout, including being outscored 37-8 in the first nine minutes of the second quarter. Towns was particularly dominant during that stretch, scoring 19 points, his highest in any quarter this season.

The Knicks will play in New Orleans on Saturday, while Minnesota will host Golden State.