Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Karl-Anthony Towns took some time to reflect on nine defining NBA seasons in Minnesota, arriving early at the arena for the morning shootaround before the rest of the New York Knicks.

Playing against a team he always expected to be a part of throughout his career was such a surreal experience that he needed a little more time to prepare.

“All these moments that I was able to experience here in the Timberwolves jersey meant a lot to me that I was given this opportunity,” Towns said at the end of an emotional night that became exhilarating for him and the Knicks in a 133rd game -107 rages Thursday.

There was no point in downplaying the significance of this reunion. Minnesota still means a lot to Towns. Despite some difficult years, he has had a great impact on the organization and the community.

“Just a shout out to my teammates for strengthening me and putting me in a position to be successful. I think everyone saw it: They understood that the game was a big game for me personally,” said Towns, who had 32 points, 20 rebounds and six assists.

“What could you say? “It was just a monster game,” coach Tom Thibodeau said.

Towns became the first player in NBA history to reach these benchmarks in a game: 30 points, 20 rebounds, five 3-pointers and 80% shooting. He hit 10 for 12 from the floor.

“I was really happy for him, man. This is everything you dream of. Get traded, come back, beat your team by 30,” Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards said. “I’m upset that we lost, but inside we’re really happy for him. That’s my dog.”

Edwards struggled to find his edge all night, going 7-for-16 and 17 points with seven assists.

“He knows he has a big brother in me. “I always just wanted to empower him and give him just the best experience in the NBA and guide him through this whirlwind of being a professional,” Towns said. “I’m just honored to have been a part of his journey.”

When Towns jogged onto the field in his unfamiliar blue and orange warmup uniforms, the crowd immediately roared in recognition of his arrival, and he flashed a familiar smile. He watched a two-minute tribute video from the bench and then waved to fans after being formally introduced.

As strange as the experience was for everyone in the arena, there was an unmistakable gratitude in the air.

“Whether it was basketball, off the court, family matters, whatever the case may be, KAT was there for you. He always will be,” Timberwolves center Naz Reid said this week.

Towns made his first appearance in Minnesota since being traded to New York three days before the start of training camp in exchange for Julius Randle, Donte DiVincenzo and the future salary cap flexibility that came with the termination of his contract.

“I’m usually the one in the Timberwolves jersey watching the tribute videos. But it’s kind of strange to be on the other side now,” Towns said the morning before the game, perched over the same podium in the interview room where he had spoken to reporters for so many seasons.

Just a few months ago, a large framed print of him hung on the wall behind the ramp, along with pictures of other stars playing at Target Center. Now Edwards is undoubtedly the star attraction in Minnesota.

After remaining so loyal to a long-failing franchise, Towns figured he’d play for them as long as he was in the league, but it’s a killer $11 billion deal that leaves little time for nostalgia .

As committed to the organization and community as he was, the fact that he was born and raised near New Jersey made it easier for him to adjust to the new location. The return to the center position was smoother as he had just adjusted to the power forward position over the last two years to accommodate the Rudy Gobert acquisition. Because he defaults to a respectful attitude towards his teammates, changing teams mid-career becomes a little less daunting.

All in all, the adjustment went well.

The Knicks (17-10) are in third place in the Eastern Conference with 12 wins in their last 16 games. Towns leads the league in rebounding. He’s averaging nearly 25 points, his highest in four years.

Randle scored 15 of his 24 points in the first quarter for the Timberwolves (14-12), who played havoc on offense and outscored 37-8 in the first nine minutes of the second quarter. By that point, the energy in the crowd was gone and the Timberwolves never recovered it. Knicks superfan Spike Lee stayed tuned throughout the game wearing a Jalen Brunson jersey and a blue and orange Knicks stocking cap.

“You know this game wasn’t just another game,” Towns said. “If anyone tells you otherwise, it’s a lie.”

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