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5 things that stood out in Timberwolves' preseason loss to Knicks at MSG

By Tommy Wiita

5 things that stood out in Timberwolves' preseason loss to Knicks at MSG

The Minnesota Timberwolves lost to the New York Knicks 115-110 in a preseason game played at Madison Square Garden on Sunday night.

Starters played around 25 to 26 minutes, seeing more playing time as we inch closer to regular season play.

Here are five things that stood out in the preseason matchup.

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Reunion of familiar faces

It was the first time both teams' fans saw their former players on the opposite benches as Karl-Anthony Towns faced off against the Timberwolves and Donte DiVincenzo did the same against the Knicks.

Before the game started, both players dapped up former teammates. That also included Julius Randle, who is expected to make his Timberwolves preseason debut sometime this week.

Related: Julius Randle expected to make Timberwolves preseason debut next week

The Knicks also played a tribute video for DiVincenzo and Randle prior to tip-off.

While the reunion had its wholesome, peaceful moments, some seemed to be a bit emotionally charged, especially concerning DiVincenzo and Knicks assistant coach Rick Brunson.

The two were seen exchanging words after the game and being separated. The 27-year-old guard also was seen barking at the Knicks bench while shooting free throws in the first quarter, saying "That's what happens when they let you run the show."

It's unclear whether the exchange was directed towards Rick Brunson as well -- Jalen Brunson's father -- but DiVincenzo addressed the incident after the game, telling reporters that the trash talk during the game was all in good fun but the exchange with Rick Brunson was real and it would be handled privately.

Related: Minnesota's Donte DiVincenzo chirps at old teammates, coaches at Madison Square Garden

Anthony Edwards and Towns exchanged jerseys after the game as well. Towns signed his jersey, writing "You da one, Jack!"

Edwards, DiVincenzo look to be next dynamic duo

Anthony Edwards and Donte DiVincenzo started for the Timberwolves Sunday night and poured on the points.

The duo combined for 46 points and 10 three-pointers.

Edwards finished with a game-high 31 points on 11-for-19 shooting, including 8-for-13 from three-point land. He added three assists and two rebounds while only playing in three quarters and 27 minutes.

During one stretch, Edwards connected on three consecutive shots from deep as the Timberwolves went on an 11-0 run as Edwards also showed off his aggressive on-ball defense against Jalen Brunson.

He also showed off a floater, which appears to be a new go-to added to his already impressive arsenal.

Meanwhile, DiVincenzo finished with the best plus/minus on the court among all Wolves (+8), connecting on 6-for-11 shots for 15 points, seven assists and three rebounds. He also had a steal against his former team. Like Edwards, he also played 27 minutes.

Edwards was asked after the game how he feels so far being teammates with DiVincenzo and the young star didn't hold back, like his usual self wouldn't.

"F***ing incredible. I don't need the ball. You see it. I'm having fun, man. It's fun to play with Donte," Edwards said.

It's unclear whether DiVincenzo will come off the bench or start for the Wolves but either way, he and Edwards have already built up some chemistry on the court together and it'll be fun to see it unfold further this season.

DiVincenzo is likely to see a lot of time at the point guard position as well as the Wolves only have two true point guards on the roster in Mike Conley and rookie Rob Dillingham. The latter may not be thrust into a lot of playing time to start the season.

Towns looks comfortable on new team

While it wasn't the best shooting night for the big man, Towns looks to fit in nicely with his Knicks teammates.

The center finished with a double-double, scoring 16 points and grabbing 16 rebounds while also adding three steals to his night in 29 minutes of action. He shot 5-for-13 from the floor, including 2-for-6 from three.

It's a different fit from his time with Minnesota as the former No. 1 overall pick doesn't have to be the No. 2 option on the team anymore. Jalen Brunson -- who scored 24 points in 24 minutes on Sunday night -- is the go-to option in New York but the team also has high volume shooters in OG Anunoby and Mikal Bridges as well.

The team's dynamic changes after center Mitchell Robinson won't return until early January due to two ankle procedures he's had done over the past year. That means Towns is thrown back into the center position after he spent time at power forward last year with the Timberwolves. He will face defenders more around his size and could be affected negatively at least until the Knicks get Robinson back.

Either way, Towns looks comfortable with the Knicks heading into the new season.

Tough night for Naz Reid, Jaden McDaniels

Both Reid and McDaniels had some forgettable performances against New York but not all was bad. Plus, it's the preseason so it's good to shake off the rust a bit before the season is in full swing.

Both racked up five fouls each, as McDaniels played 18 minutes and Reid played 22. McDaniels had three points on 1-for-5 shooting, hitting 1-of-2 three-point attempts and added three rebounds and one assist. Reid scored 15 points but on 4-for-14 shooting, including a 2-for-9 clip from three-point range. He added seven rebounds, one assist and a turnover.

Both players should see more time on the court this season after the Towns trade and are crucial to the team's youth movement alongside Edwards.

While it was a rough shooting night for Reid, he still made his impact in the playmaking department.

Has Josh Minott earned his minutes?

The Timberwolves are likely to work an eight-man rotation each night when the season starts but they could include a ninth man and that spot could be Minott's for the taking.

The third-year player has received praise from coaches during Summer League and preseason play, further adding to his résumé on Sunday night.

Coming off the bench for 26 minutes, Minott finished with six points, seven rebounds, three assists, one steal and one block. The forward provides the Wolves with a do-it-all approach on the court, as he could eventually be a nice replacement for since-departed Kyle Anderson.

Minott provides length at 6-foot, 9-inches on both sides of the ball.

It wouldn't come as a surprise to see Minott sneak his way onto the court more, especially if he can play more consistently and continue to develop an improved shooting touch off the bench.

The Timberwolves play their next preseason game on Wednesday night as they take on the Chicago Bulls at United Center. ESPN's Shams Charania reported Monday morning that Bulls point guard Lonzo Ball is expected to make his return against the Wolves, as he hasn't played since Jan. 14, 2022 due to cartilage transplant surgery.

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