Karl-Anthony Towns: 24 PTS, 15 REB, 8-17 FG, 3-7 3PT
Jalen Brunson: 23 PTS, 2 REB, 6-18 FG
When the fourth quarter started in Game 3, the tension in Madison Square Garden could’ve been sliced with a knife. The Knicks had clawed their way back from a double-digit deficit, the crowd was back on its feet, and for a moment, the energy shifted.
But standing in the way of New York’s momentum was a man on a mission: Karl-Anthony Towns.
With the series tied 1-1 and Game 3 hanging in the balance, KAT silenced the crowd and reminded everyone why he’s still one of the most versatile big men in the league. He erupted for a massive fourth quarter, powering the Timberwolves past a feisty Knicks squad that looked poised to steal one at home. And while the Knicks’ effort was admirable, it was Towns who ultimately put a stamp on the night.
The final score? Minnesota 107, New York 101.
The series now stands at 2-1, with the Wolves reclaiming control, thanks in large part to their All-Star forward’s late-game brilliance.
KAT’s Dominance in Crunch Time
Towns’ overall stat line was impressive: 24 points, 15 rebounds, shooting 8-for-17 from the field and 3-for-7 from deep. But it was the way he took over in the final 12 minutes that made the difference.
With the Knicks storming back and taking a brief lead midway through the fourth, KAT answered with a flurry: a pick-and-pop three from the top of the arc, a tough baseline jumper over Isaiah Hartenstein, and an and-one putback that capped a 7-0 personal run. It shifted momentum completely—and Minnesota never trailed again.
He wasn’t just scoring, either. Towns grabbed key defensive rebounds, altered shots in the paint, and made smart decisions in double teams, kicking out to open shooters like Anthony Edwards and Mike Conley Jr. when the Knicks collapsed.
It was vintage Towns: confident, aggressive, and unbothered by the pressure of the Garden lights.
Brunson Battles, But Comes Up Short
For the Knicks, Jalen Brunson once again shouldered the offensive load. He finished with 23 points on 6-of-18 shooting, adding just 2 rebounds, and looked visibly fatigued late in the game. After carrying the Knicks through most of the third quarter with a string of floaters and mid-range jumpers, Brunson struggled to find clean looks in the fourth.
Credit goes to Minnesota’s defense—particularly Nickeil Alexander-Walker and Jaden McDaniels—who crowded the paint and forced Brunson into tough, contested attempts. With Julius Randle still out and RJ Barrett inconsistent (4-of-14 from the field), the burden on Brunson was simply too much.
Despite the inefficient shooting, Brunson’s heart and leadership kept the Knicks within striking distance. But when the game slowed down and every possession became a battle, New York just couldn’t match Towns’ precision and poise.
Edwards and Conley Provide Support
Though KAT was the star of the night, Anthony Edwards played a key complementary role, scoring 19 points with 7 assists. He had a quiet first half but came alive in the third, slashing to the rim and creating offense off the dribble when the Wolves’ offense stalled.
Mike Conley, the ever-reliable veteran, added 14 points and knocked down two clutch threes in the second half. His composure was critical, especially as the Knicks made their run. Conley controlled the pace, ran clean pick-and-rolls with KAT, and calmed the Timberwolves during high-pressure moments.
It was that trio—Towns, Edwards, and Conley—that outdueled the Knicks down the stretch.
Knicks’ Bench Shows Fight, But Not Enough
While the Knicks’ starters struggled to generate consistent offense, the bench brought life. Josh Hart had another high-energy performance, contributing 11 points, 8 rebounds, and diving for every loose ball like it was a Game 7. Immanuel Quickley sparked the offense briefly in the second quarter but faded late.
Still, the lack of frontcourt scoring hurt. With Mitchell Robinson in foul trouble and Hartenstein limited offensively, the Knicks had no real answer for KAT inside—or outside. Tom Thibodeau opted for small-ball lineups late, but that opened the door for Towns to feast on mismatches.
What This Means for the Series
Game 3 was a turning point.
With the win, Minnesota not only takes a 2-1 series lead, but they steal home-court advantage back and regain momentum. KAT showed he can be the closer when the Wolves need it most—a role many have criticized him for avoiding in past playoff appearances.
For New York, this is a gut punch. They fought hard, played with heart, and had the crowd behind them—but their stars couldn’t deliver in the final stretch. If they want to avoid going down 3-1, they’ll need a better shooting night from Brunson and more help from the supporting cast.
Julius Randle’s status looms large. Without him, the Knicks’ offense lacks a second reliable shot-creator, and Minnesota’s defense can key in on Brunson.
Final Thoughts
This was a game of stars—and Karl-Anthony Towns shined brightest when it mattered most. He’s had his fair share of playoff criticism over the years, but on this night, in the heart of New York City, he delivered a performance that was both dominant and composed.
Game 4 promises to be a war.
But for now, the Wolves are howling—and KAT is leading the pack.
