Karl-Anthony Towns enjoyed a fun little game of going back and forth with the Wagner brothers and KAT during Tuesday's big win against the Magic.
Towns meshed hard with the big man duo of Franz and Moe Wagner throughout the first half as the Knicks clinched a 121-106 NBA Cup berth at the Garden.
The four-time All-Star had a team-high 23 points, 15 rebounds and two blocked shots in 36 minutes, posting a plus-25 rating.
“The NBA Cup brings out the best in all of us,” Towns said with a smile. “Oh, I was the worst. [serious]. We bring you the best. The NBA Cup was like a playoff game, win or go home. …
“NBA Cup, we're rivals. This is a moment of high-level competition and the game has a little more meaning. So go out there and find a way to win.”
Towns already had a double-double (14 and 10 points) by halftime, including a one-handed shot in the paint off a feed from Jalen Brunson in the first quarter.
There was also a comical scene where Towns posted up and backed up against Moe Wagner.
After absorbing hard contact, Towns paused to shrug his shoulders and complain to the officials before pivoting on the baseline and sinking a fadeaway jumper.
“Oh, haven't you seen it? A bucket is a bucket,” Towns joked. “The defense gave me the baseline and I took the baseline. I got a fadeaway jumper. A bucket is a bucket.”
Late in the second quarter, Towns was fouled by Moe Wagner, and after Wagner clapped his hands and Towns returned the gesture, both players received technical fouls.
Knicks beat Magic. USA TODAY Sports (via Reuters Con)
Towns had an impressive dunk on Wagner when he was with the Timberwolves last season.
“Overall, I think the physicality of the game is changing, and I think that's a good thing,” Thibodeau said. “I think it would be nice if there was a little more balance. That would give the best results in competition. And I think that's what people want to see. They want to see people compete. is.
“Karl is a physical guy. As long as it's consistent and both teams are the same, I don't mind it at all. Actually, I like it.”
Towns also collected a full-court heave from Josh Hart and delivered a deft touch pass to Mikal Bridges for a buzzer-beating score at the end of the first half.
“I just want to be the best version of myself for this team,” Towns said. “It's not about getting assists. That's how I can help this team win.”
Franz Wagner scored a game-high 30 points for the Magic, and his older brother contributed 19 points off the bench.
