The New York Knicks fly in to the Twin Cities in what promises to be an emotionally charged matchup.
KAT’s first time back at the Target Center, while Julius Randle gets his initial shot to show the team he helped revive they were wrong for moving off him.
On today’s episode we talked to Locked On Wolves host Ben Beecken about what’s surprised us the most about the KAT experience so far.
When the Knicks first acquired him I questioned the “Dawg Factor” a lot with KAT. This was a team who’s greatest strength was their toughness and resiliency actively choosing to build around a star who was mostly known for the opposite.
Instead he’s arguably the Knicksiest Knick this year. Bringing a level of intensity and toughness that wasn’t always apparent during his time in Minnesota.
Towns has been the league’s best rebounder, winning competitive 50-50 balls in a sea of opponents, with a snarl and two elbows out just like Charles Oakley would back in the day.
On offense, he’s a consistent battering ram going downhill throwing himself at the rim and playing with a fire that’s been infectious for the entire team.
Another surprising aspect Towns’ game has been his passing out of the post. While he was known for his scoring ability in Minnesota, his vision and decision-making when doubled have been impressive.
He’s shown a calmness and precision in finding the open man that’s added a new dimension to the offense maintaining his lowest turnover percentage in seven years despite a usage rate in line with his career norms.
Defensively, Towns has had his ups and downs as he adjusts to being the primary rim protector again. Early in the season, there were concerns about his ability to anchor the defense, but he’s shown improvement as the year has progressed. The Knicks’ defense has climbed to 8th best in the league over the last 10 games, with Towns ability to make increased contact at the rim without fouling and thrive when Tom Thibodeau employs him at the level of the screen have been key.
On the Timberwolves’ side, Julius Randle has had a mixed reception from fans (a notion not unfamiliar to the MSG faithful).
He’s putting up solid numbers, getting to the free throw line more than KAT did and shooting better from three than last season but his body language and perceived effort level on defense have drawn some criticism.
Donte DiVincenzo, meanwhile, has struggled to find his rhythm, shooting well below his career averages from three-point range down to a shocking 26% in the corners after hitting 45% from there on the Knicks while also struggling at the rim. He played great against the Knicks this preseason and it wouldn’t shock me to see him get on track tonight.
The Timberwolves’ defense has been the real story, though. Over the last 10 games, they’ve been the best defensive team in the league by a wide margin, allowing just 99 points per 100 possessions. Their improved rotations and increased effort have been key to their return to form after boasting the league’s best defense a year ago.
As we head into tonight’s game, all eyes will be on Towns. The reception from Timberwolves fans should be positive.
DiVincenzo and Randle should both be fired up for what promises to be a great test for the Knicks in a playoff-like environment against one of the few defenses capable of slowing down their top three offense.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Knicks-Timberwolves matchup, tune into the Locked On Knicks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Knicks Podcast:
• Mikal Bridges’ defensive assignments and improved play
• The potential impact of OG Anunoby on the Knicks’ defense
• Strategies for attacking the Timberwolves’ elite defense
