Throughout history, the hardwood’s greatest competitors have sometimes downplayed the importance of a first-ever game against former franchises, merely labeling it as “just another game.” In every move he made during December 19, 2024’s return to the city that chronicled his NBA journey’s first nine seasons, Karl-Anthony Towns determined that he wouldn’t be a part of that group. Overcoming both the Minnesota Timberwolves’ top-ranked defense and standout play from a similarly-traded All-Star standing opposite, Towns’ performance featured the type of excellence that Target Center had long grown accustomed to. By halftime, it became a pick of one’s preferred poison: 3-pointers from trailed positions, catch-and-shoot buckets in the halfcourt, equally-efficient, forceful play inside the arc, and ultimately, more boards than a home improvement retail store. The New York Knicks’ 26-point victory told stories, as did Towns’ box score, which included 32 points, 20 rebounds, six assists, and two steals, alongside double take-worthy efficiency overall (10-of-12), from deep (five-of-five), and from the free throw line (seven-of-nine). In a homecoming best described as “not too shabby,” Towns also embarked on history, becoming the NBA’s only player to ever hit those aforementioned points, rebounds, 3-pointers, and efficiency marks. · Dec 20, 2024