Karl-Anthony Towns went off in his return to Minnesota, but even a 40-point, 13-rebound night from the big man wasn’t enough to lift the New York Knicks past the Timberwolves, who defended home court with a 115-104 win on Tuesday at Target Center.
With Jalen Brunson sidelined due to an ankle injury, Towns took on the scoring load-and then some. He was efficient and assertive, hitting 14 of his 24 shots from the field and knocking down 3-of-6 from deep.
Mike Brown: "KAT obviously can score…He just has to continue to try to not pick up cheap fouls…now we have to sit him when he needs to be on the floor…40 & 13, doesn't surprise me at all…But if you're gonna be a great player, we expect more from him. I'm sure he does too" pic.twitter.com/of58l7wqIU
— New York Basketball (@NBA_NewYork) December 24, 2025
It was the kind of performance you expect from a player with All-NBA talent, especially when facing his former team. Towns looked comfortable, confident, and at times, downright dominant.
But Knicks head coach Mike Brown wasn’t just handing out praise postgame. He acknowledged Towns’ offensive explosion, but also pointed to an area that’s been a recurring theme in KAT’s career-foul trouble.
“With KAT, obviously, he can score. He had 40 tonight,” Brown said.
“I said it before, he's a walking double-double. He just has to continue to try not to pick up cheap fouls.”
That’s the rub. As good as Towns was, foul trouble once again limited his minutes in key stretches. Brown made it clear: if Towns wants to elevate from great to elite, staying on the floor is non-negotiable.
“So, you know, the 40 and 13, it doesn't surprise me at all because he's more than capable,” Brown added. “But if you're gonna be a great player, we expect more from him. I'm sure he does too.”
That’s not criticism-it’s a challenge. And it’s one Towns has heard before.
The tools are all there: size, touch, range, rebounding. But availability, especially late in tight games, is part of greatness too.
Brown’s message wasn’t about what Towns did Tuesday night-it was about what he can do consistently, night after night, when it matters most.
This was Towns’ second trip back to Minneapolis since the Timberwolves traded him to New York in 2024. And while he had won the previous three matchups against his former squad, this one slipped away. The Knicks dropped to 20-9 on the season, and they’re now 6-7 on the road.
Still, it wasn’t a one-man effort. Rookie guard Tyler Kolek stepped up in Brunson’s absence, delivering a near triple-double with 20 points, 11 rebounds, eight assists, and three steals. Kolek showed poise and playmaking in a tough environment, and his ability to fill multiple roles continues to be one of the bright spots in this Knicks campaign.
Now, the Knicks turn their attention to a marquee matchup on Christmas Day, when they host the Cleveland Cavaliers at Madison Square Garden. Whether Brunson is back or not, all eyes will be on how Towns responds-not just with points and boards, but with the kind of all-around presence that defines the league’s top-tier stars.
The numbers are there. The talent is unquestioned. Now it’s about putting it all together-and keeping it together-for 48 minutes.