Even when the Timberwolves look like they're figuring it out with seven wins in 10 games, they revealed themselves as an unserious basketball team when they trailed the Warriors 34-12 after one quarter Wednesday night and wound up losing 116-115. It was the latest speed bump in a season full of inconsistencies.
Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle appears to be frustrated, and this could mark the beginning of the end of his time in Minnesota.
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Minnesota Timberwolves forward Julius Randle (30) shoots at the basket as Boston Celtics forwards Xavier Tillman (26) and Jayson Tatum (0) defend in the first half of an NBA basketball game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Boston. (AP Photo/Steven Senne) AP
The Knicks, meanwhile, were inefficient offensively without Karl-Anthony Towns, who sat in street clothes — though not in Eagles gear this time — while nursing a sprained thumb. Jalen Brunson scored 26 points but shot just 9-for-23 with five assists. No other Knick had 20 points.
Jalen Brunson led the way for New York with a strong 26 points, but his 9-23 shooting was a microcosm of the team's struggles all day. The Knicks shot 38% from the field as a team with only Cameron Payne (18 points off the bench) shooting over 50% from the field for the game.
Friday’s game was a far cry from Dec. 19, when the Knicks dominated the Timberwolves in Minnesota, 133-107. That night, Edwards scored just 17 points on 16 shots, deferring to Randle, who was still acclimating to his new team after the trade.
Friday night marked Randle’s first game back at Madison Square Garden since the Knicks traded him and Donte DiVincenzo to the Minnesota Timberwolves in the three-team blockbuster that brought center Karl-Anthony Towns to New York.
Randle played a secondary role in the Timberwolves’ 116-99 win, taking a backseat in the spotlight as Anthony Edwards dazzled with 36 points, 13 rebounds and seven assists.
Jalen Brunson had 26 points and Cam Payne scored all 18 of his points in a span of 4:17, but the Knicks couldn't keep up with the Timberwolves.