Knicks and Timberwolves deliver statement wins in 2026 NBA Playoffs

Julius Randle (YouTube)

About a year and a half ago, the Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks had a blockbuster trade involving Karl-Anthony Towns going to New York and Julius Randle going to Minnesota. On Monday night, Randle of Dallas, Texas and Towns of Edison, New Jersey were instrumental for their current teams in game one of the second round playoff series.

At the Frost Bank Center in San Antonio, the Timberwolves delivered an impressive upset as an 11.5 point underdog. They went into Texas and beat the Spurs, 104-102. It was Randle, Minnesota’s starting power forward, who led the Timberwolves in scoring as he had 21 points, and had the double-double (10 rebounds).

Five more Timberwolves reached double digits in points. Shooting guard Anthony Edwards of Atlanta, Georgia had 18 points in a rare role off the bench. Meanwhile, small forward Jaden McDaniels of Federal Way, Washington, and shooting guard Terrence Shannon Jr. of Chicago, Illinois had 16 points each, and point guard Mike Conley of Fayetteville, Arkansas and sixth man specialist Naz Reid of Asbury Park, New Jersey had 12 points each.

Minnesota’s most impressive quarter was the fourth. After 36 minutes, Minnesota trailed San Antonio 72-69. Minnesota then outscored San Antonio 35-30 in the final 12 minutes.

Meanwhile, at Madison Square Garden, the Knicks continue to roll. After beating the Atlanta Hawks by 51 points in the sixth game of round one (140-89), the Knicks clobbered the Philadelphia 76ers by 39 points in the first game of round two (137-98). New York has now won their last two games by a total of 90 points.

Towns had the third most points for the Knicks with 17. New York’s leader in points was Jalen Brunson of New Brunswick, New Jersey (35 points). Meanwhile, OG Anunoby of London, England had 18 points, and Mikal Bridges of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania also had 17 points.