Timberwolves Defeat Knicks in Thrilling NBA Clash

Anthony Edwards' 38-point performance leads Minnesota to victory over former teammate Karl-Anthony Towns

Apr. 11, 2026 at 5:34am

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An abstract, expressionist painting in vibrant neon colors, capturing the intense energy and movement of a basketball game, with players' forms dissolving into dynamic brushstrokes and splashes of paint.The Timberwolves' victory over the Knicks was a thrilling display of raw talent and competitive spirit, with Anthony Edwards leading the charge in a game filled with high-energy moments.NYC Today

The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New York Knicks 115-104 in a highly anticipated NBA matchup on Tuesday, December 24, 2025. Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with a stellar 38-point performance, while Karl-Anthony Towns scored a season-high 40 points for the Knicks. The game was marked by emotional intensity as the Timberwolves faced their former teammate Towns, who had departed the team earlier.

Why it matters

This game held significant importance as it marked the first time the Timberwolves have defeated Towns since his departure from the team. The victory solidified the Timberwolves' winning streak and their position in the standings, while the Knicks faced challenges due to the absence of key players like Jalen Brunson, O.G. Anunoby, Miles McBride, and Landry Shamet.

The details

Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with a dominant 38-point performance, while Rudy Gobert contributed 11 points and 16 rebounds. For the Knicks, Karl-Anthony Towns put up a valiant effort with a season-high 40 points before fouling out in the final minute, and Julius Randle scored 17 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter. The Knicks' backcourt was thin due to the absence of Jalen Brunson, who was resting an injured ankle, and Tyler Kolek stepped up in his place with 20 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists.

  • The game was played on Tuesday night, December 24, 2025.
  • This marked the first time the Timberwolves have defeated Towns since his departure from the team.

The players

Anthony Edwards

A star player for the Minnesota Timberwolves who led the team to victory with a 38-point performance.

Karl-Anthony Towns

A former player for the Timberwolves who now plays for the New York Knicks, scoring a season-high 40 points in the game.

Rudy Gobert

A key player for the Timberwolves, contributing 11 points and 16 rebounds to the team's victory.

Julius Randle

A Knicks player who scored 17 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, helping to keep the game close.

Jalen Brunson

A Knicks player who was absent from the game due to an injured ankle, leaving the Knicks' backcourt thin.

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What they’re saying

“This was a huge win for us, especially against our former teammate. Anthony was on fire tonight and really carried us to victory.”

— Rudy Gobert, Timberwolves Player

“I gave it my all out there, but the team's absence of key players made it tough. We'll learn from this and come back stronger.”

— Karl-Anthony Towns, Knicks Player

What’s next

The Timberwolves will look to build on this momentum as they continue their push for a playoff spot, while the Knicks will need to regroup and address their backcourt depth issues ahead of their upcoming games.

The takeaway

This game showcased the emotional intensity and high-stakes rivalry between the Timberwolves and Knicks, with the Timberwolves emerging victorious thanks to a standout performance by Anthony Edwards. The absence of key Knicks players, however, highlighted the importance of roster depth in the NBA.