On January 17, 2025, the Minnesota Timberwolves dominated the New York Knicks with a 116-99 victory at Madison Square Garden, showcasing their elite shooting and defensive prowess. Led by Anthony Edwards’ 36-point, 13-rebound performance and Naz Reid’s perfect three-point shooting, the Timberwolves overwhelmed a Knicks squad hampered by offensive struggles. This article breaks down the player stats, pivotal moments, and game analysis, optimized for fans searching for Timberwolves vs. Knicks stats, highlights, and 2025 NBA season updates.
Game Overview
- 🏀 Sport: Basketball
- 🏆 League: NBA (National Basketball Association)
- 📅 Date: January 17, 2025
- 📍 Venue: Madison Square Garden, New York, NY
- 🏠 Matchup: Minnesota Timberwolves vs Knicks Match Player Stats
- 🕹️ Game Type: 2024–25 NBA Regular Season
- 🏁 Final Score: Timberwolves 116 – Knicks 99
- 🎉 Result: Minnesota Timberwolves Win
Game Recap: Timberwolves’ Three-Point Barrage Secures Win
The Timberwolves (14-14, 9th in the West) set the tone early, leading 28-21 after the first quarter, but the Knicks (19-10, 4th in the East) kept it close, trailing 56-53 at halftime. Minnesota’s third-quarter surge, fueled by Edwards and Reid, extended their lead to double digits. A season-high 22 three-pointers on 40 attempts (55%) sealed the 116-99 rout, with a fan’s halfcourt shot winning a 2025 KIA Telluride adding to the night’s excitement. The Knicks, despite Cam Payne’s early scoring, couldn’t match Minnesota’s offensive firepower, marking their second loss in three games.
Minnesota Timberwolves Player Stats and Key Contributors
The Timberwolves’ sharpshooting and balanced attack overwhelmed New York. Here are the standout performers:
- Anthony Edwards: 36 points (8-for-14 3PT, 57.1%), 13 rebounds (season-high), 7 assists, 2 steals. Edwards’ explosive scoring and all-around dominance powered Minnesota’s victory, earning him Player of the Week buzz.
- Naz Reid: 23 points (6-for-6 3PT, 100%), 8 rebounds. Reid’s perfect three-point shooting off the bench was a game-changer, showcasing his Sixth Man candidacy.
- Rudy Gobert: 12 points, 10 rebounds, 2 blocks. Gobert’s defensive presence limited New York’s paint scoring (44 points).
- Jaden McDaniels: 14 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists. McDaniels contributed efficiently, bolstering Minnesota’s wing defense.
- Nickeil Alexander-Walker: 10 points, 4 assists. The reserve guard added depth to the backcourt.
Team Stats:
- Field Goals: 44/85 (51.8%)
- 3-Pointers: 22/40 (55.0%, season-high)
- Free Throws: 6/8 (75.0%)
- Rebounds: 46 (10 offensive)
- Assists: 28
- Turnovers: 12
Minnesota’s 116.6 offensive rating (8th in NBA) and 37.7% three-point shooting (4th in NBA) were on full display, overpowering New York’s defense.
New York Knicks Player Stats and Standout Performances
The Knicks struggled offensively without Karl-Anthony Towns’ spacing, as noted in the game recap. Key contributors included:
- Jalen Brunson: 21 points (8-for-17 FG), 6 assists, 3 rebounds. Brunson scored 13 in the first quarter but faded late, unable to counter Minnesota’s run.
- Cam Payne: 18 points (7-for-10 FG), 4 assists. Payne provided a spark, scoring New York’s first 13 points in the second quarter, but his impact waned.
- Mikal Bridges: 15 points, 5 rebounds, 2 steals. Bridges’ defense was solid, but his offense couldn’t keep pace.
- OG Anunoby: 12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 blocks. Anunoby struggled from deep, limiting New York’s spacing.
- Karl-Anthony Towns: Limited impact (stats not detailed for this game, but noted for 32 points and 20 rebounds in a prior matchup on December 19, 2024).
Team Stats:
- Field Goals: 38/88 (43.2%)
- 3-Pointers: 10/30 (33.3%)
- Free Throws: 13/16 (81.3%)
- Rebounds: 40 (8 offensive)
- Assists: 22
- Turnovers: 14
The Knicks’ 99 points marked a season-low output, with defensive miscues allowing Minnesota’s three-point barrage to dictate the game.
Key Moments That Shaped the Game
- Timberwolves’ Three-Point Explosion: Minnesota’s 22-for-40 (55%) performance from beyond the arc, led by Edwards (8-for-14) and Reid (6-for-6), overwhelmed New York’s defense.
- Cam Payne’s Early Spark: Payne’s 18 points in the first half, including 13 to open the second quarter, kept the Knicks competitive, but they couldn’t sustain the momentum.
- Third-Quarter Surge: Minnesota outscored New York 32-24 in the third, with Edwards and Reid combining for 15 points, pushing the lead to 88-77.
- Fan’s Halfcourt Shot: A fan’s successful halfcourt shot between the third and fourth quarters won a 2025 KIA Telluride, energizing the crowd but not the Knicks’ offense.
Why This Game Matters for the 2025 NBA Season
The Timberwolves’ win (3-2 in their last five against the Knicks) highlights their offensive firepower and playoff potential, with Edwards and Reid emerging as a dynamic duo. Their 5.1 net rating (4th in NBA) and top-tier three-point shooting make them a Western Conference threat. The Knicks, despite a strong 19-10 record, exposed vulnerabilities without Towns’ spacing, raising questions about their consistency against elite shooting teams as they prepare for the playoffs.
Where to Find Full Box Scores and Highlights
For detailed box scores, play-by-play, or video highlights, visit:
- NBA.com (Official box scores and shot charts)
- ESPN (Game recaps and analysis)
- Yahoo Sports (Live updates and stats)
- Basketball-Reference (Advanced stats and historical data)
- Sofascore (Live scores and H2H stats)
These platforms offer comprehensive stats and highlights for fans seeking in-depth data on the Timberwolves vs. Knicks game.
Looking Ahead: Upcoming Games
The Timberwolves (14-14) hosted Cleveland on January 18, aiming to build on their momentum. The Knicks (19-10) faced Atlanta on January 20, looking to rebound from this loss and refine their defensive scheme.
Final Thoughts
The January 17, 2025, Minnesota Timberwolves vs. New York Knicks game was a masterclass in three-point shooting, with Anthony Edwards and Naz Reid leading Minnesota to a 116-99 rout. The Knicks’ offensive struggles underscored the need for better spacing, despite Jalen Brunson’s efforts. For the latest NBA updates, player stats, and game highlights, check NBA.com, ESPN, or Yahoo Sports. As the 2025 season progresses, Minnesota’s sharpshooting and New York’s playoff aspirations will be key storylines.
