Towns records a double-double as the Knicks take the Atlantic lead

Los Angeles. – Karl-Anthony Towns was once again decisive by scoring 20 points and grabbing 11 rebounds for the New York Knicks to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 123-114, a result that places them as leaders of the Atlantic Division of the Eastern Conference.

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The Knicks (25-14) stopped Portland’s five-game winning streak and now lead the Boston Celtics by half a game at the top of the division. Jalen Brunson led the attack with 26 points, followed by O.G. Anunoby with 24, while Deni Avdija was the top scorer for the home team with 25 points. In Portland, Jrue Holiday returned after almost two months out due to injury, contributing 8 points in 16 minutes. Despite the defeat, the Trail Blazers (19-21) remain in the play-in zone in the West.

Edwards Beats Wembanyama

In Minneapolis, Anthony Edwards starred in one of the plays of the day by beating the giant Victor Wembanyama one-on-one and scoring the winning basket in the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 104-103 victory over the San Antonio Spurs. Minnesota overcame a 19-point deficit after being down 69-50 in the third quarter. Wembanyama, who returned to the starting lineup after being rested for several games, finished with 29 points and 7 rebounds, dominating much of the game. However, in the final quarter, the Wolves’ defensive adjustments took effect and San Antonio barely made 5 of 20 field goals. Edwards took advantage of the offensive slump to add nine points in the last five minutes and seal the duel with a decisive penetration with 16 seconds remaining. Minnesota has won four of its last five games, while the Spurs have a 2-3 record in that stretch.

OKC Regains Momentum Against Miami

For its part, the Oklahoma City Thunder defeated the Miami Heat 124-112 to get back to winning after an irregular week. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander led the home team with 29 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists, standing out in a devastating 13-0 run in the third quarter that made the difference. In the Miami side, Jaime Jáquez Jr. finished with 5 points, 3 assists and 5 turnovers in 20 minutes as a substitute. With these results, OKC remains the leader of the West and the Spurs are 5.5 games behind the top, with a visit to Oklahoma scheduled for this Tuesday.