Karl-Anthony Towns Reflects on Emotional Reunion as Knicks Defeat Timberwolves
In his second meeting against his former team, Karl-Anthony Towns led the Knicks to a dominant win over Minnesota, expressing both gratitude and nostalgia for his years with the Timberwolves.
- Glenn Catubig
- 5 min read
NEW YORK — A year after his blockbuster trade from Minnesota to New York, Karl-Anthony Towns still finds himself processing the emotions tied to his departure. Following the Knicks’ 137–114 victory over the Timberwolves on Wednesday night, the All-Star center reflected on what it meant to face the franchise where he spent the first nine seasons of his career.
“I’m still stunned — I mean, I’m still stunned,” Towns admitted postgame. “It’s weird seeing that Wolves jersey, especially the fire black one, and not seeing ‘Towns’ on the back of it.” The matchup offered a full-circle moment for the 29-year-old, who has now firmly settled into his role in New York but still carries the memories of his time in Minneapolis.
Towns’ exit from Minnesota last year was one of the NBA’s most surprising moves. The Timberwolves had just made their first Western Conference finals appearance since 2004, and the team’s young core — led by Anthony Edwards — appeared ready to contend for years. Yet, financial pressures and roster balance pushed the front office to trade Towns in a deal that sent Julius Randle and Donte DiVincenzo to Minnesota.
For the Knicks, the acquisition was seen as the final piece to pair with Jalen Brunson. For Towns, it marked the end of a defining chapter — one he’s still learning to see from the outside. “Built something special there,” he said. “It’s different when you’re in the process and now you’re going against it.”
1. Emotional Ties That Haven’t Faded
Even a year removed, Towns admitted that his connection to Minnesota remains strong. At one point during his postgame remarks, he caught himself referring to the Timberwolves as “we,” an unintentional but telling slip. “They’re a great team,” he said. “To see what they’re doing right now, it’s special. I expect nothing less than greatness from them.” The bond runs deeper than basketball. Towns revealed he still speaks to several of his former teammates daily — especially Anthony Edwards and Rudy Gobert — and takes pride in seeing their continued growth. “Ant’s becoming the face of the league,” he said. “Me and Rudy — years of battles, then teammates. It’s family, man. Always will be.” His affection for Minnesota extended even to Naz Reid, who now occupies some of the offensive sets that once ran through Towns. “Many of those play calls used to be mine,” he said with a grin. “Now they’re Naz’s. That’s what you want — to see your guys thrive.” It’s clear that for Towns, the Timberwolves remain more than just a former employer. The memories of building the franchise through its lean years have left a lasting imprint, even as his career flourishes elsewhere.
2. Producing Against His Former Team
If there were lingering emotions Wednesday, Towns didn’t let them affect his performance. He finished with 15 points, 10 rebounds, four assists, and two blocks in 31 minutes as the Knicks took control after the first quarter and never looked back. His strong showing followed a similarly productive game in his first meeting against Minnesota earlier in the season. The win highlighted how well Towns has fit into the Knicks’ system alongside Brunson and OG Anunoby. His ability to space the floor and anchor the interior has helped New York sustain its strong start despite early-season injuries. For Towns, each game against Minnesota is both competitive and personal — a mix of pride and perspective. On the other side, former Knick Julius Randle had a solid night in his return to Madison Square Garden, tallying 32 points, five rebounds, and four assists in defeat. The matchup between the two former teammates underscored how both franchises have moved forward successfully since the trade. Still, one of the night’s highlights came when Towns backed down the smaller Edwards and threw down a powerful dunk. Edwards laughed about it afterward: “Man, he dunked on me today,” he said. “I didn’t jump, though. He’s 7 feet tall. I stood him up for five seconds — somebody’s gotta come help me at that point!”
3. A Year of Growth and Reflection
The past year has been transformative for Towns. In New York, he’s embraced a new role as both a leader and cornerstone of a franchise chasing its first Finals appearance in decades. Meanwhile, he continues to support his old teammates from afar, maintaining relationships that transcend wins and losses. What stands out most is his perspective — one shaped by growth, change, and maturity. “It’s deeper than basketball,” Towns said. “It’s family.” That sentiment reflects not only his respect for the Timberwolves organization but also his recognition of how far both sides have come. Both the Knicks and Wolves reached their conference finals last season, and both now carry legitimate championship aspirations. Towns’ journey — from franchise centerpiece to key contributor on a title contender — mirrors his evolution as a player who understands that legacy is built as much on relationships as it is on numbers. For Towns, Wednesday’s victory wasn’t just another regular-season win. It was a moment of reflection — a reminder of where he came from, how far he’s come, and how deeply basketball can connect those who share in its pursuit.