Anthony Edwards scored 38 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 115-104 victory over the New York Knicks on Tuesday at Target Center. Edwards’ scoring paced Minnesota as the team held off a late surge from former Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, who had a season-high 40 points before fouling out.
Julius Randle contributed 25 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, while Rudy Gobert added 11 points, 16 rebounds, and key rim protection as Minnesota won its 10th game in 12 contests. Donte DiVincenzo chipped in 11 points and eight assists, helping the Wolves recover from a temporary deficit.
Towns led the Knicks in scoring and rebounding with 40 points and 13 boards, while Tyler Kolek added 20 points, 11 rebounds, and eight assists in place of rested All-Star Jalen Brunson. The Knicks were missing multiple players, including O.G. Anunoby, Miles McBride, and Landry Shamet, leaving Towns as the primary offensive option.
Minnesota built an early lead but faced a Knicks rally in the fourth quarter, which Randle helped quell with consecutive baskets to restore a 17-point advantage late. Edwards finished 15-of-27 from the field, including four 3-pointers, and went 4-of-6 from the free-throw line.
The Wolves improved to 20-10, while the Knicks dropped to 20-9 despite shooting 41% overall and 37% from three-point range. Gobert’s defensive presence limited opportunities in the paint, contributing to New York’s inability to overtake Minnesota down the stretch.
Minnesota will visit Denver on Christmas night, while the Knicks host Cleveland in Thursday’s opening game of the NBA’s five-game Christmas slate. The Wolves’ win marks the first time Edwards has led Minnesota past Towns in a matchup between the former teammates.
