After falling behind by as much as nine, the Wolves went on a 14-0 run in the second quarter as DiVincenzo got going from deep. He finished the first half with 12 points on four three-pointers. Randle led the Wolves with 18 points at the half.
But the Knicks dominated the third quarter. They hung 40 points on the Wolves and led 94-86 after three. They capitalized on five Wolves turnovers for 12 points while shooting 61% for the quarter. Jalen Brunson (12 points), Towns (10) and OG Anunoby (10) all hit double figures in the quarter. The Wolves offense went cold to the tune of 38% shooting, and Minnesota never threatened in the fourth.
As he did in their preseason game against the Knicks, Edwards took the responsibility of guarding Brunson. Before the season, Edwards spoke about wanting to take more “A” player defensive responsibilities off the plate of Jaden McDaniels. Even coming off a hamstring injury, Edwards took the matchup with the Knicks player who has the ball in his hands the most. But as the game went on, it was clear Edwards wasn’t his usual self. Brunson finished with 23 points. Anunoby scored 25 to lead the Knicks.
While Edwards was out, Mike Conley reentered the starting lineup. With Edwards back, Conley returned to the bench in favor of DiVincenzo starting at point guard. Edwards played an abbreviated first shift of seven minutes. He typically plays all or almost all of the first quarter. When Conley entered the game, he subbed in for Edwards and played alongside DiVincenzo. Edwards came back in at the end of the first quarter.
Terrence Shannon Jr. was a late addition to the injury report because of left foot soreness. His status was a game-time decision, coach Chris Finch said, before the Wolves ruled him out. With Edwards back, Jaylen Clark and Rob Dillingham were still in the rotation, but for not as many minutes as they had been playing.
