New York Knicks' Second Quarter Domination Helps Prevail Against Minnesota Timberwolves

Last season, the New York Knicks were swept by the Minnesota Timberwolves in their two encounters. With a healthier and improved roster compared to last year, New York started off the season series on the right track by defending home court.

In the first 12 minutes of the game, it was a close contest with both teams trading the lead and New York being up 27-26. At the 1:44 minute mark of the first period, Shabazz Muhammad received a flagrant one foul for elbowing Sasha Vujacic during a ball tie up. The Knicks then began to chip away during the second quarter, after ending it on a 29-6 run.

After shooting only 33 percent from the floor, Minnesota’s halftime talk seemed to have done wonders for them, as they retaliated in the third frame outscoring their opponents 30-18. The Timberwolves continued to fight all the way back up until the conclusion of the game, however, New York’s free throw shooting was on target throughout the night.

With 4.3 seconds left in regulation and a three-point lead in favor of the Knicks, Andrew Wiggins fouled Arron Afflalo to send him to the line. Afflalo hit his pair of free throws to help the Knicks prevail against Minnesota. New York wrapped up the game converting on 83 percent of their free throw attempts as Afflalo made eight out of nine.

Carmelo Anthony, who finished with one assist shy from reaching his third career triple-double, had 20 points and 15 boards. Kristaps Porzingis ended with 11 points and seven rejections, with six of them coming in the first half. The Knickerbockers bench outscored the T-Wolves bench 38-29. Lance Thomas led the reserves with 14 points while Langston Galloway summed up 12.

New Jersey native Karl-Anthony Towns lead his team with 25 points and 10 rebounds. Like Anthony, Rubio also flirted with a triple-double with nine points, 10 boards, 12 assists and eight steals. Wiggins concluded with 23 points while Zach LaVine added 19 points off the bench.

Other Key Things To Note

-Kevin Martin did not play due to a bruised right wrist.

-Kevin Garnett suited up, but did not see any action due to rest after playing last night against the Denver Nuggets.

-Porzingis made his presence felt at the start and conclusion of the contest. He started the game knocking down a three-pointer (first shot of the game) and ended the game rejecting a three-point attempt from fellow rookie Towns.

-Prior to tipoff, Anthony received the NBA Cares Community Assist Award.