Knicks will need key center to live up to “elite” defense vs. Wolves

NBA: New York Knicks at Minnesota Timberwolves
Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-Imagn Images

The shorthanded New York Knicks are facing a daunting test against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Friday.

Knicks have a tall task to face vs. elite Timberwolves bigs

The Knicks will take on the contending Timberwolves with All-Star Karl-Anthony Towns questionable with a thumb injury. That’s bad news for New York, considering how many bigs on Towns’ former team thrive in the interior.

Minnesota has All-Star Julius Randle, reigning Sixth Man of the Year Naz Reid, and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert all situated in their frontcourt. That talented trio poses a variety of threats to the Knicks, even with a healthy Towns in the lineup.

Dec 1, 2024; New York, New York, USA;  New York Knicks center Karl-Anthony Towns (32) drives to the basket in the first quarter against the New Orleans Pelicans at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images
Credit: Wendell Cruz-Imagn Images

Randle is a do-it-all forward who New York should know all too well as he was a two-time All-NBA performer with the team from 2019-2024. The Kentucky product’s 19.5 points and 4.3 assists per game, as well as his aggression in slashing and operating out of the post, will be a handful to contain.

Reid can space the floor and also finish in close, exemplified by his 1.9 threes per game on 37.7 percent shooting from downtown, while Gobert is a sound lob threat who converts well around the restricted area.

Knicks’ Precious Achiuwa can back up raves vs. Wolves

Knicks backup center Precious Achiuwa will have all eyes on him during the Friday night matchup. Achiuwa was huge for New York in their 125-119 overtime win over the Philadelphia 76ers last time out. He racked up three blocks against the Sixers and had this to say after the laudatory effort, per Stefan Bondy of the New York Post:

“I’m an elite defender. I don’t think I got to say that,” Achiuwa boasted.

Oct 15, 2024; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks forward Precious Achiuwa (5) grabs a rebound against the Charlotte Hornets during the second half at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images

New York will need his mobility, nimbleness, strength, and stout instincts to keep Randle and Reid from getting to their spots and developing a rhythm. The Nigerian big man will also be required to help keep Gobert from making beelines to the rim.

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