Anthony Edwards scored 38 points to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 115-104 win over the New York Knicks on December 23 at Target Center. At the same time, Karl-Anthony Towns stunningly scored 40 points for New York.
This two-point gap stirred a clear scoring duel between the former teammates. Edwards addressed that perception following the game, clarifying that he was not tracking Towns’ output during the contest, according to postgame media availability on December 23.
Anthony Edwards Say He was Unaware Of Karl-Anthony Towns’ 40-point Night
Edwards was asked whether he was trying to reach 40 points after finishing with 38. He rejected the idea that Towns’ scoring influenced his approach.
The Ant-Man said, “Nah, not really. I didn’t even know he got 40 until after the game. I mean, he played his a** off. We all know what a special talent he is, but yeah I definitely wasn’t trying to match him or nothing.”
Anthony Edwards on if he was trying to get 40 with Karl Anthony Towns tonight
“Nah, not really, I didn’t even know he got 40 until after the game. I mean he played his a** off. We all know what a special talent he is, but yeah i definitely wasn’t trying to match him or nothing” pic.twitter.com/PN6ZYnT4JK
— Andrew Dukowitz (@adukeMN) December 24, 2025
In the wild night game, Edwards stunningly finished the game with 38 points on 15-of-27 shooting, including 4-of-10 from three-point range and 4-of-6 from the free-throw line. Alongside the star also had four steals, two assists, one rebound, and one block in 37 minutes. It marked his 13th 30-point game of the season.
Edwards is now averaging 28.7 points through 23 games. Thanks to Towns’ presence, the Knicks found their sync on offense early. Twenty-four points lit up the scoreboard before halftime. From the floor, he had 14 of his 24 attempts while pulling down 13 rebounds. His presence built momentum after a quieter run and six games averaging 16.8 points. That recent dip made the previous outing stand out more: just two points tallied versus Miami on December 22.
Minnesota controlled the game late through execution rather than volume scoring. Julius Randle scored 25 points, including 17 in the fourth quarter, while Edwards reduced his shot attempts and focused on defense and ball pressure. The Timberwolves outscored New York 31-24 in the final period.
Statistically, the night registered as a scoring duel. Contextually, Edwards’ comments clarified intent. Towns’ 40-point performance stood out individually, but Minnesota’s fourth-quarter structure and Edwards’ controlled usage dictated the result.
