Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

“It’ll probably be very emotional” – Knicks’ Karl-Anthony Towns’ reception return to Minnesota

KAT guided the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals last season for the first time in 20 years.

Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Timberwolves will take on the New York Knicks on Thursday night at Target Center. It will be the first time Karl-Anthony Towns will play in Minneapolis since his blockbuster NBA trade to the Knicks just days into training camp.

TOMORROW. pic.twitter.com/4tlEa6kHn6
— Minnesota Timberwolves (@Timberwolves) December 19, 2024

An emotional return for Karl-Anthony Towns

As Towns arrives at the Target Center, emotions will flow from both ends. It could be a nostalgic moment for him. It’s not easy for any player to step up in the familiar atmosphere and play against the former team. The Knicks will surely take this opportunity to deliver the best show on Thursday night in pursuit of the NBA playoffs.

“Every game is important,” said Towns. “It will be cool to be in the house. … You never know how the fans will respond. For me, my household, I know what I gave that organization. And I am happy and proud for what I was able to do.”

The Timberwolves selected KAT as No. 1 overall in 2015, and it became a great journey for the four-time All-Star. Towns spent his first nine seasons with Minnesota. He guided the Timberwolves to the Western Conference Finals last season for the first time in 20 years.

Also Read:

Minnesota Timberwolves center, Naz Reid talked about his ex-teammate who will get a warm welcome at Target Center. “It’ll probably be very emotional. He’s been here for nine years, this is the first time he’s been on the other side so I’m sure it will be.” Naz Reid said after practice.

Naz Reid on KAT return: "Probably super emotional…I'll be right there w him…still my brother…If you see another guy make it from where we come from (New Jersey) it's always love…Unselfish biggest word to describe him…Always there for you…Helped me shape the guy I am today" pic.twitter.com/JeSBkdGLMo
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 19, 2024

I’ll be right there with him, he’s a guy who’s taught me the ropes, helped me get to the predicament I’m in today. Obviously you’ve got to compete, but he’s still my brother at the end of the day.”

Karl-Anthony Towns, who created history for the Wolves last season, continued his best form with the Knicks. He is averaging 24.8 points, 13.9 rebounds, and 3.3 assists this season. KAT has emerged as a frontrunner for an Eastern Conference All-Star spot.

His teammate OG Anunoby talked about the most anticipated game of the night. “I don’t think he has exceeded expectations,” said Anunoby after practice. “We have all seen his talent for years. This is what we expected from him.” The buzz surrounding Towns reflects not only his performance but the emotional stakes of the game as he returns to his former home.“

DiVincenzo and Randle also play against their former team

Apart from Towns, Donte DiVincenzo and Julius Randle will also play against their former teams. The former had previously represented the New York Knicks and was recently traded to the Minnesota Timberwolves as part of a three-team trade. Randle is averaging 20 points, seven rebounds, and four assists.

On the other hand, DiVincenzo was also traded in October as part of a three-team trade. He played just one season for the Knicks where he set new records. He scored a career-high 40 points in a game and added 11 three-pointers. He finished the season with a franchise single-season record of 283 three-point shots made. DiVincenzo and Knicks staff engaged in a heated exchange during the preseason.

Meanwhile, Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau wants players to keep aside their emotions and focus on the game. “It’s not about individual matchups; it’s Knicks versus Timberwolves. We need to focus on winning,” Thibodeau said.

Image Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images

Karl-Anthony Towns

Minnesota Timberwolves

NBA 2024-25

New York Knicks

Gulshan Sharma

nba

soccer

wnba

A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.