Timberwolves vs Knicks Match Player Stats
The timberwolves vs knicks match player stats from the January 17, 2025 matchup provide a clear picture of how Minnesota defeated New York 116-99 at Madison Square Garden. The Timberwolves produced one of their most efficient offensive performances of the season, shooting 53% from the field and knocking down 22 three-pointers. Anthony Edwards led the way with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists, while Naz Reid added 23 points with a perfect 6-for-6 performance from three-point range. For New York, Jalen Brunson scored 26 points, but the Knicks struggled to match Minnesota’s shooting efficiency and offensive consistency.
This game was more than a simple win for Minnesota. It was a useful example of how three-point volume, shot efficiency, rebounding, and individual star production can combine to shape an NBA result. The Timberwolves improved to 22-19 overall and 12-10 on the road, while the Knicks fell to 27-16 and 13-8 at home. The result also brought the season series between the teams to 1-1 after New York had previously defeated Minnesota 133-107 on December 20, 2024.
For anyone researching player performances, team efficiency, or the broader meaning behind the box score, this game offers several important lessons. Anthony Edwards was the headline performer, but Minnesota’s victory came from a complete offensive effort that involved efficient shooting from multiple players and strong contributions from the bench.
Timberwolves vs Knicks Match Player Stats at a Glance
The final score was Minnesota Timberwolves 116, New York Knicks 99.
| Category | Timberwolves | Knicks |
| Final Score | 116 | 99 |
| Field Goals | 42-79 | 35-90 |
| Field Goal Percentage | 53% | 39% |
| Three-Pointers | 22-40 | 14-34 |
| Three-Point Percentage | 55% | 41% |
| Free Throws | 10-14 | 15-17 |
| Free Throw Percentage | 71% | 88% |
| Rebounds | 46 | 41 |
| Assists | 23 | 19 |
| Turnovers | 15 | 9 |
| Steals | 5 | 10 |
| Blocks | 2 | 4 |
The most striking difference was shooting efficiency. Minnesota attempted 79 field goals and made 42, while New York attempted 90 and made only 35. That means the Knicks took 11 more shots from the field but still finished 17 points behind.
The three-point numbers were particularly important. Minnesota made 22 of 40 attempts, compared with 14 of 34 for New York. That eight three-pointer advantage represented 24 additional points from beyond the arc.
This is one of the clearest reasons the final score became so one-sided. Minnesota did not simply shoot more. The Timberwolves shot better, especially from long range.
Anthony Edwards Leads Minnesota With an All-Around Performance
Anthony Edwards was the defining player in the game.
He finished with:
- 36 points
- 13 rebounds
- 7 assists
- 12-for-21 shooting
- 8-for-13 from three-point range
- 4-for-4 from the free-throw line
- Plus-24 plus/minus
His scoring total was the highest among all players in the game, but his impact went well beyond points.
Edwards’ 13 rebounds were particularly notable because they demonstrated his involvement on the glass. A player who combines high-volume scoring with double-digit rebounding can influence the game on both ends of the floor. His seven assists also showed that he was not operating purely as a scorer.
The eight made three-pointers were arguably the biggest statistical feature of his performance. Edwards attempted 13 shots from outside and converted eight, giving him a 61.5% success rate from three-point range.
That efficiency made it difficult for New York to contain him. When a primary scorer is creating points at that level while also rebounding and distributing, defensive adjustments become more complicated.
His plus-24 rating was also the best among all players in the game. That number supports the broader impression that Minnesota controlled the game during Edwards’ time on the floor.
From a statistical perspective, this was a complete star performance rather than a simple scoring explosion.
Naz Reid Provides a Major Offensive Boost
Naz Reid was another major reason Minnesota was able to pull away.
He recorded:
- 23 points
- 8 rebounds
- 6-for-6 from three-point range
The most impressive part of Reid’s performance was his perfect shooting from beyond the arc.
Six three-pointers on six attempts is an extremely efficient contribution. Reid’s long-range shooting created additional spacing for Minnesota’s offense and forced New York’s defense to account for another dangerous perimeter threat.
This is important when analyzing the game as a whole. The Knicks could not focus all of their defensive attention on Edwards because Minnesota had another player producing at an exceptional level from three-point range.
Reid’s 23 points also made him the second-highest scorer for the Timberwolves. His eight rebounds added further value, giving Minnesota another reliable contributor on the glass.
Together, Edwards and Reid accounted for 59 of Minnesota’s 116 points. That is just over half of the team’s total scoring, but the distribution of production was still balanced enough to prevent New York from relying on a single defensive matchup.
Jalen Brunson Remains New York’s Primary Offensive Force
Jalen Brunson led the Knicks with 26 points and five assists.
His statistical line included:
- 26 points
- 5 assists
- 9-for-23 field goals
- 3-for-7 three-pointers
- 5-for-5 free throws
Brunson was able to reach 26 points, but his efficiency was considerably lower than Edwards’ efficiency.
He made nine of 23 field-goal attempts, which translates to approximately 39% shooting from the field. He also converted three of seven three-point attempts.
The five assists demonstrated his continued importance as a playmaker. However, the Knicks needed more efficient scoring from their primary offensive creator against a Minnesota team that was shooting at an elite level.
Brunson’s performance should therefore be viewed in context. His 26 points were a strong individual scoring total, but the efficiency gap between the two teams was too large for New York to overcome.
OG Anunoby Delivers a Strong Two-Way Contribution
OG Anunoby finished as the Knicks’ second-highest scorer with 18 points and 10 rebounds.
His line included:
- 18 points
- 10 rebounds
- 5-for-10 field goals
- 3-for-6 three-pointers
- 5-for-6 free throws
Anunoby’s double-double was one of the more valuable individual performances for New York.
His 10 rebounds helped the Knicks compete on the glass, although Minnesota still won the overall rebounding battle 46-41.
Anunoby also shot 50% from the field and made half of his three-point attempts. Compared with some of New York’s other offensive performances, his efficiency was solid.
The challenge for the Knicks was that strong individual contributions from Brunson and Anunoby were not enough to counter Minnesota’s overall shooting advantage.
Cameron Payne Gives the Knicks a Productive Bench Performance
Cameron Payne was the Knicks’ leading bench scorer.
He recorded:
- 18 points
- 7-for-10 field goals
- 4-for-5 three-pointers
- Plus-2 plus/minus
Payne’s 18 points were significant because he provided New York with an offensive spark away from the starting lineup.
His three-point shooting was especially effective. He made four of five attempts from deep, producing a 80% success rate.
Interestingly, Payne finished with the best plus/minus among Knicks players at +2, despite New York losing by 17 points.
This is a reminder that individual plus/minus statistics should not be interpreted in isolation. A player can perform well during his minutes while the team struggles overall. Payne’s individual efficiency was clearly one of the brighter points of New York’s performance.
Full Starting Lineups
The Timberwolves started:
- Julius Randle
- Jaden McDaniels
- Rudy Gobert
- Mike Conley
- Anthony Edwards
The Knicks started:
- OG Anunoby
- Jericho Sims
- Josh Hart
- Mikal Bridges
- Jalen Brunson
These starting groups reveal the different strengths each team brought into the matchup.
Minnesota’s lineup featured a combination of interior size through Rudy Gobert, scoring through Edwards and Julius Randle, and perimeter defense through players such as Jaden McDaniels.
New York’s starting group featured Brunson as the primary offensive creator, with Anunoby, Hart, Bridges, and Sims providing defensive, rebounding, and complementary responsibilities.
The final result showed that Minnesota’s offensive efficiency was the more decisive factor.
Team Shooting Explains the 17-Point Difference
When studying timberwolves vs knicks match player stats, shooting efficiency is arguably the most important starting point.
Minnesota:
- 42-for-79 from the field
- 53% field-goal shooting
- 22-for-40 from three
- 55% three-point shooting
New York:
- 35-for-90 from the field
- 39% field-goal shooting
- 14-for-34 from three
- 41% three-point shooting
The difference is substantial.
Minnesota made seven more field goals despite taking 11 fewer attempts.
That tells us something important about the quality of possessions. The Timberwolves converted their opportunities at a much higher rate, while the Knicks struggled to turn their higher shot volume into efficient scoring.
The three-point gap was even more influential.
Minnesota made eight more three-pointers than New York. Since each made three-pointer is worth three points, that alone represents a 24-point advantage in three-point scoring.
The Knicks did have an advantage at the free-throw line. They made 15 of 17 attempts, compared with Minnesota’s 10 of 14. However, the 10-point free-throw difference was not enough to offset Minnesota’s superiority from the field and beyond the arc.
The Three-Point Battle Was the Defining Statistical Story
The Timberwolves’ 22 made three-pointers deserve special attention.
Three-point shooting can dramatically change the structure of an NBA game. A team that consistently converts from long range can create separation quickly, especially when its opponent is struggling with field-goal efficiency.
Minnesota’s 22-for-40 performance from three represented a 55% success rate.
That is an exceptional shooting night.
Anthony Edwards made eight.
Naz Reid made six.
Together, those two players accounted for 14 of Minnesota’s 22 made three-pointers.
That means the rest of the Timberwolves combined for eight made threes, while Edwards and Reid alone produced 42 points from beyond the arc.
This explains why the Timberwolves were able to score 116 points despite making only 10 free throws.
The offense was generating a large portion of its production through perimeter efficiency.
Rebounding Battle Favors Minnesota
Minnesota finished with 46 rebounds, compared with 41 for New York.
The five-rebound advantage was not overwhelming, but it still favored the winning team.
Anthony Edwards led the Timberwolves with 13 rebounds, while Naz Reid added eight. On the Knicks side, OG Anunoby contributed 10 rebounds.
The rebounding numbers show that Minnesota did not rely solely on perimeter shooting.
The Timberwolves also competed effectively on the glass, which helped them maintain possession and limit New York’s opportunities.
In a game where Minnesota was already shooting at 53% from the field, controlling the rebounding battle made the offensive advantage even more difficult for New York to overcome.
Assists and Ball Movement
Minnesota recorded 23 assists, while New York finished with 19.
The four-assist difference was relatively modest, but it still reflects a slightly better offensive distribution from the Timberwolves.
Minnesota’s offense benefited from having multiple players who could create or finish plays.
Edwards’ seven assists were particularly important. His ability to combine scoring with playmaking prevented the Knicks from treating him as a one-dimensional scorer.
Brunson led New York with five assists, but the Knicks were unable to translate their offensive possessions into the same level of efficiency.
The assist numbers therefore support a broader conclusion. Minnesota’s advantage was not simply about having more possessions. The team was more effective with the opportunities it received.
Turnovers Tell an Interesting Story
The Knicks actually performed better in one important area.
New York committed nine turnovers, while Minnesota committed 15.
The Knicks also recorded 10 steals compared with five for the Timberwolves.
On the surface, those numbers suggest that New York did some things well defensively and protected the ball more effectively.
However, those advantages did not translate into a victory.
This is an important lesson when interpreting box scores. A team can win the turnover battle and still lose comfortably if it is significantly worse in shooting efficiency.
Minnesota’s 53% field-goal shooting and 55% three-point shooting created a scoring advantage that overwhelmed New York’s better turnover numbers.
Quarter-by-Quarter Breakdown
The scoring by quarter was:
| Quarter | Timberwolves | Knicks |
| 1st | 28 | 21 |
| 2nd | 35 | 38 |
| 3rd | 18 | 19 |
| 4th | 35 | 21 |
| Total | 116 | 99 |
The game was not completely one-sided from the opening tip.
Minnesota took a seven-point lead after the first quarter, 28-21.
New York responded in the second quarter by scoring 38 points compared with Minnesota’s 35. That allowed the Knicks to cut into the deficit, although the Timberwolves still held the advantage overall.
The third quarter was relatively close, with Minnesota scoring 18 points and New York scoring 19.
The decisive stretch came in the fourth quarter.
Minnesota scored 35 points in the final period, while the Knicks managed only 21.
That 14-point fourth-quarter advantage helped Minnesota turn a competitive game into a convincing 17-point victory.
The fourth quarter also highlights the importance of late-game execution. The Timberwolves finished strongly instead of allowing New York to build momentum from its second-quarter offensive surge.
How the Game Changed From the Previous Meeting
The season series was tied 1-1 after this game.
The previous matchup took place on December 20, 2024, when the Knicks defeated the Timberwolves 133-107.
That earlier result was a 26-point victory for New York.
The January 17 matchup produced the opposite result, with Minnesota winning by 17 points.
The two games therefore show a dramatic shift in the matchup.
In the first meeting, New York scored 133 points and won comfortably.
In the second meeting, Minnesota held the Knicks to 99 points while scoring 116.
This contrast is important when analyzing team performance over a season. One game rarely tells the entire story of a matchup. The second meeting demonstrated that Minnesota could make significant adjustments and produce a very different result.
The season series being tied also reflected the competitive nature of the two teams at that point in the season.
Why Anthony Edwards Was the Most Important Player
The timberwolves vs knicks match player stats make Anthony Edwards the obvious choice for the game’s most influential individual performer.
His 36 points led everyone.
His 13 rebounds were also the most among the listed top performers.
His seven assists demonstrated playmaking value.
His eight three-pointers gave Minnesota a major perimeter advantage.
His 24-point plus/minus was the best in the game.
The combination is what separates his performance from a normal high-scoring game.
A player can score 36 points through high-volume shooting, but Edwards paired his scoring with efficiency and contributions in several statistical categories.
He shot 12-for-21 from the field, which is approximately 57%.
He made eight of 13 three-point attempts.
He also made all four of his free throws.
That means Edwards was efficient at every major scoring level represented in his statistical line.
His performance was therefore both productive and efficient.
Why Minnesota Won Despite More Turnovers
One of the most interesting aspects of the game is that Minnesota committed six more turnovers than New York.
That normally creates an opportunity for the opposing team.
However, the Timberwolves compensated through superior shooting.
The basic statistical equation was simple:
Minnesota gave the ball away more often, but converted its offensive opportunities at a much higher rate.
The Timberwolves shot 53% overall compared with 39% for New York.
They shot 55% from three compared with 41% for the Knicks.
They also won the rebounding battle 46-41.
This combination meant that New York’s turnover advantage was not enough to change the outcome.
It is a useful reminder that basketball results are rarely determined by one statistical category.
A team can lose turnovers but win through shooting.
A team can make more free throws but lose because it struggles from the field.
A team can record more steals but still lose because the opponent is more efficient.
This game is a strong example of why complete box-score analysis is more valuable than focusing on a single number.
Individual Efficiency Versus Team Efficiency
Another important distinction in this matchup is the difference between individual and team performance.
Jalen Brunson scored 26 points, which is an impressive total.
OG Anunoby recorded 18 points and 10 rebounds.
Cameron Payne scored 18 points while shooting 7-for-10 from the field and 4-for-5 from three.
Those are meaningful individual performances.
Yet the Knicks still lost by 17 points.
The reason is that basketball is a team sport where the combined efficiency of all players matters.
Minnesota received 36 points from Edwards and 23 from Reid, while the team as a whole shot 53%.
The Knicks had several productive players, but the overall team shooting percentage fell to 39%.
This difference shows why individual box-score achievements should always be placed within the context of team performance.
A Closer Look at the Most Important Numbers
Several numbers summarize the game particularly well.
17
The final margin was 17 points.
Minnesota won 116-99.
22
The Timberwolves made 22 three-pointers.
That was eight more than New York.
36
Anthony Edwards scored 36 points.
He was the game’s leading scorer.
13
Edwards made 13 three-point attempts and converted eight.
Naz Reid made all six of his three-point attempts.
53%
Minnesota’s field-goal percentage was 53%.
That was 14 percentage points higher than New York’s 39%.
46
The Timberwolves collected 46 rebounds.
The Knicks recorded 41.
+24
Edwards finished with the best plus/minus at +24.
9
The Knicks committed only nine turnovers.
This was one of the few major statistical categories where New York had a clear advantage.
What the Box Score Says About Minnesota
The numbers suggest that Minnesota’s offensive ceiling was very high when its perimeter shooting was working.
The Timberwolves had two players, Edwards and Reid, combining for 14 made three-pointers.
That type of shooting performance creates major defensive problems.
Opponents have to decide whether to pressure the perimeter, protect against drives, or focus on interior players.
Minnesota also received a strong rebounding contribution from Edwards, while the team finished with 46 total rebounds.
The main concern from the statistical perspective was turnovers. Fifteen turnovers gave New York additional opportunities, and the Knicks recorded 10 steals.
However, Minnesota’s shooting was so efficient that the turnover disadvantage did not become decisive.
What the Box Score Says About New York
The Knicks’ numbers present a more complicated picture.
There were positive elements.
New York shot 88% from the free-throw line.
The team committed only nine turnovers.
The Knicks recorded 10 steals.
Cameron Payne was highly efficient from three.
OG Anunoby recorded a double-double.
Jalen Brunson scored 26 points and added five assists.
Yet the most important issue was field-goal efficiency.
Shooting 39% from the field against a team shooting 53% created a significant disadvantage.
The Knicks also struggled to keep pace with Minnesota’s three-point production.
Making 14 threes is a respectable total, but it was not enough when the opponent made 22.
New York therefore needed better overall shot-making to compensate for Minnesota’s perimeter success.
What This Game Reveals About Player Stats
Player statistics are most useful when they answer meaningful questions.
Who created the most offense?
Anthony Edwards.
Who provided the biggest secondary scoring contribution for Minnesota?
Naz Reid.
Who led New York in scoring?
Jalen Brunson.
Who recorded the Knicks’ strongest rebounding performance among the leading contributors?
OG Anunoby.
Who provided an efficient bench scoring performance?
Cameron Payne.
Who had the best plus/minus?
Anthony Edwards at +24.
Which team shot more efficiently?
Minnesota.
Which team made more three-pointers?
Minnesota.
Which team protected the ball better?
New York.
Which team won the rebounding battle?
Minnesota.
Looking at these answers together provides a much clearer explanation of the final score than simply stating that Minnesota won.
The Importance of Shot Quality
The difference between 79 field-goal attempts and 90 attempts might initially suggest that New York was more aggressive offensively.
However, volume alone does not guarantee success.
The Knicks took 11 more field-goal attempts but made seven fewer shots.
This is a major efficiency gap.
Minnesota’s offense generated a higher percentage of successful possessions, especially from long range.
The result was a situation where New York could have more attempts and still fall behind.
For basketball analysts, this is one of the most useful lessons from the matchup. A box score should be read as a connected system.
Field-goal attempts, shooting percentage, three-point accuracy, rebounds, turnovers, and free throws all interact.
The Timberwolves’ success came from the combined effect of several strong categories rather than one isolated statistic.
Final Assessment of the Matchup
The overall timberwolves vs knicks match player stats point to a game that was decided primarily by shooting efficiency and star production.
Anthony Edwards was the standout player with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists.
Naz Reid provided an outstanding complementary performance, scoring 23 points while making all six of his three-point attempts.
The Timberwolves as a team shot 53% from the field and 55% from three.
The Knicks had their own individual highlights. Jalen Brunson led the team with 26 points, OG Anunoby posted 18 points and 10 rebounds, and Cameron Payne delivered 18 points from the bench with excellent shooting efficiency.
However, Minnesota’s overall offensive efficiency proved too much.
The Timberwolves also finished with a five-rebound advantage and produced 23 assists. New York’s advantages in turnovers, steals, and free-throw percentage were not enough to compensate for the shooting gap.
The 35-point fourth quarter from Minnesota ultimately sealed the result.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the final score between the Timberwolves and Knicks?
The Minnesota Timberwolves defeated the New York Knicks 116-99 at Madison Square Garden.
Who scored the most points in the game?
Anthony Edwards was the game’s leading scorer with 36 points for Minnesota.
What were Anthony Edwards’ stats against the Knicks?
Anthony Edwards finished with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and seven assists. He shot 12-for-21 from the field, 8-for-13 from three-point range, and 4-for-4 from the free-throw line.
Who led the Knicks in scoring?
Jalen Brunson led New York with 26 points and five assists. He shot 9-for-23 from the field, 3-for-7 from three, and 5-for-5 from the free-throw line.
How many three-pointers did the Timberwolves make?
Minnesota made 22 of 40 three-point attempts, finishing at 55% from beyond the arc.
Who was the best bench scorer in the game?
Naz Reid led the Timberwolves’ bench with 23 points and eight rebounds. Cameron Payne led the Knicks’ bench with 18 points while shooting 7-for-10 from the field and 4-for-5 from three.
Conclusion
The January 17, 2025 meeting between Minnesota and New York was defined by a major difference in offensive efficiency. The Timberwolves won 116-99 because they converted their shots at a much higher rate and produced an exceptional three-point performance.
Anthony Edwards was the central figure, combining 36 points with 13 rebounds and seven assists. His eight made three-pointers played a major role in Minnesota’s offensive success. Naz Reid added another 23 points and was perfect from three-point range, giving the Timberwolves a powerful second scoring option.
For New York, Jalen Brunson led the team with 26 points, while OG Anunoby recorded a double-double and Cameron Payne provided efficient bench scoring. The Knicks also protected the ball better and made 88% of their free throws.
Ultimately, however, Minnesota’s 53% field-goal shooting, 55% three-point shooting, 46 rebounds, and 22 made three-pointers created an advantage that New York could not overcome. The game also evened the season series at 1-1 after the Knicks had won the earlier meeting 133-107.
The broader lesson from the matchup is that individual player stats become much more meaningful when viewed alongside team efficiency. Edwards’ outstanding performance mattered, but Minnesota’s victory was built on a combination of elite perimeter shooting, effective rebounding, strong secondary scoring, and a dominant fourth quarter.
