Karl-Anthony Towns Shines in Return to Minnesota, but Foul Trouble Clouds Knicks' Loss to Timberwolves
The New York Knicks came into Tuesday night’s matchup against the Minnesota Timberwolves already behind the eight ball. With Jalen Brunson, OG Anunoby, Landry Shamet, and Miles McBride all sidelined, the Knicks were short-handed against one of the West’s most physical and athletic squads. Still, even in the loss, there were a few silver linings - and one major storyline that continues to follow this team.
Let’s start with the obvious: Karl-Anthony Towns put on a show.
Returning to Minnesota - the place he called home for nine seasons after going No. 1 overall in the 2015 draft - Towns looked like a man on a mission. He dropped 40 points on 14-of-24 shooting and pulled down 13 rebounds, reminding everyone just how dominant he can be when he’s in rhythm. It was the kind of performance that makes you pause and ask: if this is what Towns can bring to the table consistently, how high is this Knicks team’s ceiling when fully healthy?
But as good as Towns was, the night wasn’t without its frustrations.
He fouled out with just under 35 seconds left - a stat that doesn’t tell the full story. The Knicks were already out of reach by then, but the real issue was how foul trouble limited Towns during key stretches of the game. He’s currently near the bottom of the league in fouls per game, averaging 3.5, and that’s a problem for a team that relies on his offensive versatility to create spacing and mismatches.
Head coach Mike Brown didn’t shy away from the issue.
“KAT obviously can score,” Brown said postgame. “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.”
That’s not a knock - it’s a challenge. Because when Towns is on the floor, this Knicks offense has a different gear.
His ability to stretch the floor, score from the post, and draw defenders opens up opportunities for everyone else. Take him off the floor, and things tighten up quickly.
Mitchell Robinson is a solid backup option at center. He brings rim protection, rebounding, and toughness.
But he doesn’t offer the same offensive punch or spacing that Towns does. When Towns is forced to sit, especially in crunch time, the pressure shifts heavily onto the shoulders of players like Brunson, Mikal Bridges, and Josh Hart to create offense in tighter windows.
And with Brunson already out of this one, that margin for error was razor-thin.
One bright spot in the loss? Tyler Kolek.
The rookie guard was thrust into the starting lineup and held his own, continuing a stretch of solid play as the Knicks navigate this injury wave. He’s been a steady presence and has shown the kind of poise you want to see from a young player stepping into a bigger role.
Looking ahead, Towns and the Knicks won’t have much time to dwell. They’ll be back on the floor for a marquee Christmas Day matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers. If Evan Mobley can’t go for Cleveland, the Knicks could have a real opportunity to control the paint - but only if Towns can stay on the floor.
That’s the next step in his evolution with this team. The scoring is there.
The rebounding is there. Now it’s about staying disciplined, staying available, and staying on the floor when it matters most.
Because when Towns is locked in and out of foul trouble, the Knicks are a different animal.