Karl-Anthony Towns may no longer wear a Timberwolves jersey, but he remains a beloved figure in Minnesota, as he demonstrated during his return to the Target Center on Thursday. Now a member of the New York Knicks, Towns was warmly embraced by the fans who showed their appreciation for his contributions over nine seasons with the Timberwolves.
In an emotional homecoming, Towns not only received a heartfelt welcome—with an 86-second tribute video—but also showcased his skills in dominating fashion, posting an impressive 32 points and grabbing 20 rebounds in a decisive 133-107 victory over his former team. The electric atmosphere in the arena was palpable, with Towns feeling the love from the crowd as they cheered for him throughout the game.
While the cheers for Towns echoed through the arena, there were also mixed reactions toward Knicks head coach Tom Thibodeau—who had previously coached the Timberwolves—indicating that not all memories are cherished equally. Nonetheless, Towns’ performance was a reminder of his significant impact on the franchise, as he remains the team’s second-highest scorer in its history.
The trade that sent Towns to New York was controversial, especially given the Timberwolves’ recent success, having reached the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2004. Towns himself expressed his uncertainty about the trade on social media, reflecting the emotionally complex situation surrounding the move.
Despite the challenges and changes, Towns has embarked on a promising season, averaging 24.8 points and leading the NBA with 13.9 rebounds per game. His shooting percentages are also notable, with 52.9% from the field and 43.9% from three-point range.
This reunion not only highlighted the enduring bond between Towns and the Minnesota fans but also opens up a new chapter in his career with the Knicks. As the season progresses, basketball fans can look forward to seeing how Towns continues to evolve as a player in a new environment while maintaining the connection with his past.