Home NBA Edwards dominates with 36 points in Timberwolves’ win over Knicks

Edwards dominates with 36 points in Timberwolves’ win over Knicks

Anthony Edwards led the Minnesota Timberwolves to a commanding 116-99 victory over the New York Knicks on Friday night, recording 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. The Timberwolves improved to 22-19, snapping the Knicks’ momentum as they dropped to 27-16.

Edwards was electric from beyond the arc, sinking eight three-pointers, while Minnesota tied its season-high with 22 threes on 40 attempts (55%). Reserve forward Naz Reid also shined, going a perfect 6-for-6 from three-point range, contributing 23 points and eight rebounds off the bench.

The Knicks struggled without Karl-Anthony Towns, who was traded to New York in October. Towns missed his second consecutive game due to a sprained right thumb, while Donte DiVincenzo, also acquired in the trade, sat out with a sprained left big toe. Julius Randle, who was sent to Minnesota as part of the deal, managed only eight points but added seven rebounds and six assists.

Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 26 points, scoring efficiently despite the team’s overall shooting woes. OG Anunoby and Cameron Payne added 18 points each, with Payne contributing 13 of his points in just five minutes during the second quarter.

The Timberwolves started strong, with veteran Mike Conley scoring 10 of his 13 points in the opening frame before Edwards took over. Minnesota’s defense capitalized on the Knicks’ defensive lapses, holding New York to just 38.9% shooting from the field and 41.2% from 3-point range.

Minnesota also dominated on the boards, outrebounding New York 46-41, with Rudy Gobert and Jaden McDaniels combining for 14 rebounds. The Timberwolves’ ability to spread the floor proved crucial, as their sharpshooting offset Towns’ absence.

For the Knicks, defensive issues compounded their struggles. Randle’s limited scoring and a lack of secondary scoring options after Brunson hindered New York’s chances of mounting a comeback. Despite Payne’s second-quarter surge, the Knicks could not contain Minnesota’s offensive rhythm.

The Timberwolves’ bench played a significant role, with Nickeil Alexander-Walker, Reid, and Rob Dillingham contributing 38 points collectively. Reid’s efficient shooting and Dillingham’s playmaking added much-needed depth to the Timberwolves’ attack.

Game Recap: Timberwolves 116, Knicks 99
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