MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns was substituted from Game 3 on Thursday and vented his frustration as he walked past teammates on his way to his seat.
“Bring me the damn ball,” he called to his teammates as he took his seat during the first round playoff match. “These motherf***ers can’t protect me. S***, let’s go.”
The Timberwolves failed to get him the ball, resulting in the three-time All-Star shooting just four times in 33 minutes. His team’s inability to get him on offense contributed to a monumental collapse that ended in a 104-95 loss.
Towns was furious, losing 2-1 to Memphis on the cusp of taking complete control of the series. When asked about his touches, he hit reporters with a “next question.”
Throughout the game, Towns was overly talkative, whether it was expressing desperation, support for teammates, or talking rubbish.
In a critical Game 4 on Saturday, Towns was the complete opposite. He came out of the tunnel for his pre-game practice with a scowl on his face and didn’t make eye contact with anyone for a quick greeting or chat. He didn’t say a word while taking his pre-game shots.
Minutes later, Grizzlies star Ja Morant walked onto the court for his pregame practice and went right past Towns. The tall man didn’t even notice his presence by glancing at the guard.
A tone was produced.
Towns drilled a three from the top of the key 13 seconds into the game, causing fans to erupt. The impassioned star immediately looked down at his hands and uttered profanity while defending himself again. Half a minute later, without hesitation, he drove around Xavier Tillman to pull the foul on the basket.
Minnesota Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns celebrates against the Memphis Grizzlies during Game 4 of their NBA First Round Playoff series at the Target Center in Minneapolis. (Brad Rempel/USA TODAY Sports)
He fell to the ground after contact but immediately jumped up unaided and quickly walked near half court to prepare for his free throws.
And two minutes into that game, Towns was on top of the key, driving past Brandon Clarke. He was trying to cast a vicious spin on Jaren Jackson Jr. He was fouled in the aggressive attempt and again quickly walked near half court to prepare for his free throws without saying a word.
The story goes on
The crowd loved it.
Three minutes into Saturday’s game, it was clear that Towns would dominate. In 42 minutes of action, he exploded for 33 points and 14 rebounds to lead his team to a narrow 119-118 win to level the streak at two games apiece.
“I was just determined to force [the Grizzlies’] Hand,” Towns told Yahoo Sports after Game 4. “I wanted to be aggressive and do whatever it took to get the ball. I tried different attacking methods, different attacking points and different ways of getting the ball in my hands. We watched all the tapes and we all had our jobs to do. That’s what I was about.”
On Saturday he let his game do the talking.
The 26-year-old veteran was microphoned for Thursday’s game and was heard saying, “We’re in Minnesota now,” as the Timberwolves controlled the game in the first half.
Morant found this clip on Twitter after her comeback win and responded.
Cities spoke about the playful banter between the two stars.
“Let me be clear: I’m not a social media guy. So I didn’t know what was being said or anything. But of course my dad would tell me what Ja tweeted,” Towns told Yahoo Sports. “Ja’s father told my father how Ja responded. So I’m fine. It’s good competitive basketball. You gotta love playoff basketball.”
The two dads – Karl Towns Sr. and Tee Morant – made this series even more entertaining with their hilarious quips as they cheer on their sons from their pitchside seats.
Towns says he enjoys watching his father’s happiness.
“It’s great for my dad to see the son of one of his best friends play me. It’s really cool and a great experience,” Towns told Yahoo Sports. “It’s something that I don’t think a lot of people in this league get to experience. It’s very different to see two superstars in the NBA and it’s actually their dads not the players who are super good friends. Then players build the bond around it. I just think it’s really cool, dope and I’m very happy that my father is allowed to have these experiences in life. That’s how I see it. I’m just so fortunate to be able to have these experiences with my dad while he’s here.”
Regarding Tuesday’s Game 5, Towns said his aggressive approach will not change.
“I remain locked up,” Towns told Yahoo Sports. “We still have more work to do.”