As Anthony Edwards threw the ball to Karl-Anthony Towns late in the fourth quarter Friday night, Towns said he was “well aware” that he hadn’t made a three in his first game since the March 4.
But Towns didn’t hesitate and made the shot that gave the Timberwolves the lead for good in a 109-106 victory over the Hawks. When Towns returned from a calf injury a season ago, he made the game-winning free throws in a game that was also against Atlanta at home. This time he gave them a 101-100 lead with 2 minutes, 29 seconds left.
“I knew if I had another chance like last year, I would be successful,” Towns said. “I had a chance from Ant, an incredible pass, a drive, a kick in the corner, something I’ve watched him do a lot more since I got injured. I just wanted to be able to be another person who can do that for him.”
Towns looked rusty in his return – 11 points on 4 of 11 shooting – but he had eight assists, and him being there was one of the most important developments for the Wolves as ‘They’re getting ready for the playoffs. Towns said he beat what everyone thought was a longer expected recovery time after left meniscus surgery. He also anticipated it would take less time for him to get back on the field, as it was a shorter and easier recovery process than last season.
“There was a lot of doubt around all of us that I wouldn’t be ready until the second or third round,” Towns said. “So I heard the doubt and I got competitive, I got really competitive with it. I attacked the rehab as hard and hard as I could. Something that seemed like it would take a lot longer, I got into it. spent much less time.”
Towns wasn’t the only one to make a notable return to Target Center Friday night. Minority owners Marc Lore and Alex Rodriguez sat across from the Wolves bench for the first time since their public spat over the team’s future began with majority owner Glen Taylor late last month. Taylor, meanwhile, was in his usual spot near the Wolves bench.
Everyone involved came away satisfied with a Wolves victory that kept their hopes of securing the No. 1 seed alive.
With Denver’s win and loss to San Antonio, the Wolves, Nuggets and Thunder are in a three-way tie atop the Western Conference. Oklahoma City holds the No. 1 seed based on the teams’ head-to-head records (5-3), with the Wolves coming in second at 4-4. The NBA said it was the first time three teams had the same record at the top of a conference through 81 games.
The Wolves took advantage of the Hawks resting their starters in the fourth quarter of a game that meant nothing to Atlanta, which is locked into the No. 10 seed in the East.
With Edwards struggling (14 points, 4-for-12) due to illness and Towns trying to get back into shape, the Wolves probably wouldn’t have won without Rudy Gobert’s night. Gobert had 25 points on a perfect 10-for-10 shooting and 19 rebounds. Coach Chris Finch said there is a subtle difference between players who can help a team win and those who prevent a team from losing. Gobert, with his consistency, has been the latter.
“Ever since I was a kid, I never really liked losing,” Gobert said. “So I think a lot of it starts there. But I think a lot of it is also about experience, realizing how much every game matters, how much every possession matters. I hate to lose the match by two points and then have regrets, so I try to give everything every minute so as not to regret anything.”
After the game, Towns and Gobert spoke to Bally Sports North, and Gobert teased Towns by saying, “This is what movies are made of,” a reference to a quote from Towns upon his return last season. For Gobert and the rest of the Wolves, it was good to have Towns back.
“He gave us a little boost,” Gobert said. “And it was perfect timing for us.”
