Carmelo Anthony had 20 points, 15 rebounds and nine assists, Arron Afflalo scored 29 points, and the Knicks beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 107-102 on Wednesday night.
Kristaps Porzingis had 11 points, six rebounds, six blocks and three assists for the Knicks in his first matchup against fellow rookie and No. 1 pick Karl-Anthony Towns.
Towns had 25 points and 10 rebounds, Andrew Wiggins scored 23 points, and Zach LaVine had 19 points for the Timberwolves.
The Knicks built a 60-40 halftime lead after outscoring Minnesota 33-14 in the second quarter. Porzingis, the No. 4 pick from Latvia, blocked six shots in the half.
Minnesota got within three in the fourth quarter, with Towns scoring 10 points and LaVine nine in the period, but Afflalo put it away at the free throw line.
TIP-INS:
Timberwolves: Coach Sam Mitchell wants expectations tempered for Minnesota. "We're 9-15. We're not jumping up and down celebrating, but compared to where we were defensively last year, offensively last year, I'm laughing at you guys (media). Everybody's like, 'What's wrong with the Timberwolves?' We won 16 games last year. We've got nine wins right now. We've been in every game except last night was probably our worst game we played. You're talking about eight guys 22 or younger. Our three most talented players that play the most minutes and are our leading scorers are all 20 years old and would be juniors in college, so I'm laughing at you guys." . Mitchell also weighed in on Rajon Rondo's comments toward official Bill Kennedy. "I know Rajon, I wouldn't say we're friends, but I know him. I was shocked. I don't think he's that type of person. . He made a serious mistake and he's paying for it, rightfully so, but let's see how he does going forward because sometimes when you make mistakes like that publicly, it can have a profound change on your life for the good." . Gorgui Dieng made his first start of the season. . Kevin Garnett (rest), Kevin Martin (bruised right wrist) and Nikola Pekovic (right Achilles tendon) all sat.
Local
Knicks: Coach Derek Fisher has been pleased with Kyle O'Quinn, who has averaged 9.7 points and 6.3 rebounds in three games since returning to the rotation on Wednesday against the Utah Jazz. "Sometimes when an opportunity is not there for you, you appreciate the opportunity the next time it shows up. He got an opportunity, he took advantage of it and he's been doing a great job." . Cleanthony Early was inactive.
IN ATTENDANCE
Boxer Floyd Mayweather was courtside at Madison Square Garden.
UP NEXT
Timberwolves: Host Sacramento on Friday.
Knicks: Visit Philadelphia on Friday.
