Knicks overcome cold shooting to beat Wolves, 96-88

Updated Dec. 28, 2021 10:31 p.m. ET

Associated Press

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Mitchell Robinson had 14 points and a season-high 18 rebounds, Julius Randle added 13 points and 15 boards, and the New York Knicks topped the short-handed Minnesota Timberwolves 96-88 on Tuesday night.

Evan Fournier scored 13 points, while Quentin Grimes added 11 off the bench for the Knicks in their second straight win.

Malik Beasley had 20 points and Jaden McDaniels added a season-high 18 for Minnesota, which has lost three of four.

With stars Karl-Anthony Towns, Anthony Edwards and D’Angelo Russell all out due to COVID-19 protocols, Minnesota was able to knock off Boston on Monday. With all three still unavailable one day later, the Wolves couldn’t repeat that performance against the Knicks, thanks in large part to poor shooting.

Minnesota shot just 40% from the floor and a season-low 18.4% (7 for 38) from 3-point range. Beasley was particularly cold from deep, hitting only 4 of 16.

The Knicks didn’t shoot much better. New York shot 41.1% but did connect on 16 of 40 from deep. The Knicks also struggled to knock down free throws, hitting just 6 of 16 from the line.

RJ Barrett was one of many Knicks who struggled to shoot Tuesday, but he hit a big 3 with 4:11 left. With several Timberwolves players standing just out of bounds in the corner of the court a mere inches from Barrett, he knocked down a corner 3 to put New York up 88-81.

New York went on a 10-0 run to start the second quarter but Minnesota responded with a run of its own. The Wolves outscored the Knicks 19-5 for the rest of the half to turn what was once a 17-point deficit into a 44-41 New York lead at halftime.

The Knicks put together another run in the third quarter to build up a sizable lead. New York outscored Minnesota 15-3 early in the third, including a pair of 3-pointers by Kemba Walker.

STILL NOT READY

Edwards, Patrick Beverley, Naz Reid and Taurean Prince all cleared health and safety protocols before Tuesday’s game, but only Beverley and Reid played.

Although Edwards and Prince were cleared, coach Chris Finch said they need a 48-hour ramp-up period. Both players did participate in individual workouts Tuesday but watched the game in street clothes.

“It’s very intricate and every situation is a little different based on their symptoms, based on their levels, etc.,” Finch said.

TIP-INS

Knicks: G Wayne Selden Jr. entered health and safety protocols prior to Tuesday’s game. … G Miles McBride rejoined the team Tuesday after being cleared from health and safety protocols.

Timberwolves: Finch challenged a foul call against McDaniels late in the second quarter, and the call was overturned. … Nathan Knight fouled out with 5:48 left in the game. He had eight points and seven rebounds.

UP NEXT

Knicks: New York continues its four-game road trip Wednesday at Detroit.

Timberwolves: Minnesota begins a three-game West Coast road trip with a game Friday at Utah.