The performance and the statistics will remain but the purists will undoubtedly regret the way. While the meeting between Minnesota and San Antonio was played three minutes from the final siren (149-139) and his personal counter indicated 56 points, Karl-Anthony Towns was returned to the floor of the AT & T Center with a single goal: reach the 60-point mark for the first time in his career.
Despite five faults, the interior of the Timberwolves was not asked. An award-winning basket and a free throw later, he reached 60 stacks, setting a new record for the franchise and also becoming the first player to reach this level this season, while LeBron James and Trae Young had previously shared the leadership with 56 points.
” Before the match, explained Towns, I told the coach that I was ready to do everything to win this match because we needed this victory. I told him that I might play 44 or 48 minutes if necessary. I had this state of mind, that of wanting to dominate, of wanting to be at my best level. » He was particularly so during a third quarter that he flew over, placing Minnesota in orbit for victory (+15, 121-106, 36th).
Popovich: “(Towns) is an incredible player”
During those twelve minutes, which he played in full, Towns scored 32 points with an excellent 9 of 13 shooting (5 of 6 from three points) and a 9 of 9 on free throws. He added six rebounds for good measure (out of 17 in the game). “Karl was fantastic, blew Spurs coach Gregg Popovich. He attacked the basket, he shot, he was always involved. He’s an incredible player so it’s no surprise to see him play like this but tonight was special. »
And necessary for Minnesota who would like to catch up with Denver (1 victory and a half behind for the moment) and steal sixth place from the Nuggets in order to avoid the always risky “play-in” to enter the play-offs. It will no doubt take other XXL performances from Towns to achieve this.
