Taurean Prince’s season-high 35 points and 8 for 8 from 3-point range helped the Minnesota Timberwolves beat the New York Knicks 140-134 on March 20th, 2023. Despite Julius Randle’s outstanding performance, going 9 for 10 and hitting 5 for 6 from beyond the arc in the third quarter, his final basket cut it to 137-134, and he was beaten to a rebound by Kyle Anderson on Minnesota’s next possession. A cutting Prince scored inside with 10.1 seconds left before Mike Conley made a free throw after Randle was called for a technical foul, ending the game.
The Timberwolves made more than 70% of their shots in the first half and finished at 61.4%. Coach Chris Finch said Karl-Anthony Towns was “really, really close” to returning from his calf injury. Swingman Josh Hart arrived for the game wearing the No. 32 jersey of his great uncle, Yankees great Elston Howard. Former Knicks coach Rick Pitino will be back on the sidelines at Madison Square Garden for some St. John’s games after being hired by the Red Storm on Monday.
The game was an exciting and spectacular display of shooting and scoring. The audience was left in awe, even in an era where the scoreboard totals seem to balloon higher all the time.
Minnesota Timberwolves vs New York Knicks Mar 20, 2023 Game Summary
The Minnesota Timberwolves and New York Knicks went head-to-head on March 20th, 2023, in a game that left NBA fans awestruck. The Minnesota Timberwolves started the game strong, making more than 70% of their shots in the first half and leading by 17. However, Julius Randle’s exceptional performance for the Knicks kept the game intense throughout.
Julius Randle’s Stunning Performance
Randle scored an incredible 57 points, beating his previous career-high of 46 points. He also made eight 3-pointers, keeping the Knicks in the game throughout. Randle’s performance in the third quarter was particularly impressive, with him scoring 26 points, a franchise record for the Knicks. He finished tied with Richie Guerin, with the only two 60-point games in Knicks history being Carmelo Anthony’s 62 on Jan. 24, 2014, and Bernard King’s 60 on Christmas Day in 1984.
Minnesota Timberwolves’ Sizzling Start
The Timberwolves made their first 10 shots, becoming the first team this season to do so. They didn’t cool off much the rest of the game, finishing at 61.4%. Taurean Prince, who scored a season-high 35 points and went 8 for 8 from 3-point range, played an essential role in the Timberwolves’ victory. Mike Conley also contributed 24 points and 11 assists.
Exciting Finish
Despite Randle’s outstanding performance, the Timberwolves managed to maintain their lead by riding a sizzling start and a steady finish. With just 2:17 remaining, Conley’s three free throws gave Minnesota the lead for good. Randle’s three-point play with 42 seconds left cut it to 137-134, but he was beaten to a rebound by Kyle Anderson on Minnesota’s next possession. A cutting Prince scored inside with 10.1 seconds left before Conley made a free throw after Randle was called for a technical foul, ending the game at 140-134.
The game was a spectacular display of shooting and scoring and left the audience in awe. Even in an era where the scoreboard totals seem to balloon higher all the time, this match was exceptional.
Prince and Randle Lead Teams in Close Game
Taurean Prince hit a three-pointer with 4:35 left in the first half to give the Minnesota Timberwolves a 70-53 lead against the New York Knicks. However, the Knicks put together some stops to cut the lead to 79-70 at halftime.
In the third quarter, Knicks forward Julius Randle was on fire, going 9 for 10 and hitting 5 for 6 from beyond the arc. He even faulted himself after the one miss, which was an ill-advised attempt that missed the rim by a couple of feet.
Despite Randle’s exceptional performance, Prince’s season-high 35 points and 8 for 8 from 3-point range helped the Timberwolves overcome Randle’s performance to beat the Knicks 140-134 on Monday night.
Timberwolves vs. Knicks Game Information
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The Timberwolves made more than 70% of their shots in the first half and finished at 61.4%.
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Mike Conley contributed 24 points and 11 assists.
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Coach Chris Finch said Karl-Anthony Towns was “really, really close” to returning from his calf injury.
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Swingman Josh Hart arrived for the game wearing the No. 32 jersey of his great uncle, Yankees great Elston Howard.
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The Wolves didn’t rule out Anthony Edwards for Monday’s game, indicating his injury isn’t as bad as originally feared.
Rick Pitino Returns to Madison Square Garden
Former Knicks coach Rick Pitino will be back on the sidelines at Madison Square Garden for some St. John’s games after being hired by the Red Storm on Monday. Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau praised Pitino, saying, “he’s a good man, great coach, and I know he’ll do a great job with St. John’s.”
Upcoming Games
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Timberwolves: Host Atlanta on Wednesday.
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Knicks: At Miami on Wednesday.
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