In a shootout, the Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the San Antonio Spurs, 149-139, on the road. However, the high point total was not the story in this Monday night showdown. Timberwolves’ star center Karl-Anthony Towns had one of the most memorable performance to date.
Town finished with a franchise record 60 points to help the Wolves push pass the Spurs. Also, the win gives the franchise its eighth win in their last nine games. The three-time All-Star recorded his best scoring game of his still young career.
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Karl Anthony Townes Goes Bonkers in the Third
From the floor, Towns shot 19-for-31 overall including 7-11 from the three-point range. In addition, the 7-footer added an eye-popping 17 rebounds on the night. Towns eclipsed his previous career best, 56 points, in his 2018 matchup against the Atlanta Hawks.
Minnesota needed every bit of Towns’ 60 piece special as they entered halftime with just 75-73 lead. From there, the franchise player unleashed a scoring onslaught upon the Spurs. In the third, the Timberwolves blew the game wide open behind Towns 32-point quarter. It was a 12-minute scoring spurt that rivaled Golden States Warriors Klay Thompson 37-point quarter against the Sacramento Kings in 2015.
The Spurs were outscored 46-33 in the period and now lose back-to-back games since Gregg Popovich became the winningest coach in NBA history with 1,336 career victories.
Towns says this win was huge for the franchise as they are battling for a playoff position in the Western Conference. Minnesota is
However, the scene of the night was Towns reaction to a reporter informing on his historical third period.
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Towns is in Elite NBA Company
But wait, Towns’ historical performance on Monday night gets better. He is the first player in NBA history to reach the feat of 60 points, 15 rebounds and 60% from behind the arc in a game. The 7-foot center shooting from beyond has improved over the years.
So much so, he is the reigning NBA Three-Point Contest winner during the 2021-22 All Star weekend.
Towns credits his recent performance to the trust and belief his teammates instills into him:
Additionally, being on a list that consists of David Robison, Wilt Chamberlin, George Mikan, and Shaquille O’Neal is nothing to sneeze at. The former No.1 overall pick is the first center since O’Neal in 2001 to record a 60-point game.
Now, Towns and the Timberwolves looks to continue their impressive play as they are just 1 1/2 games behind the Denver Nuggets for sixth place in the Western Conference playoff standings. After their two game road trip, Minnesota is back at home on Wednesday as Lebron James and the Lakers comes into town.