Inside Karl-Anthony Towns’ mindset: Timberwolves star ‘locked in’ vs Grizzlies

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Timberwolves star Karl-Anthony Towns was knocked out of Game 3 on Thursday and let out his frustration as he walked alongside teammates en route to his seat.

“Give me the fucking ball,” he shouted to his teammates as he took his place in the first-round playoff game. “Those motherfuckers can’t keep me. Shit, let’s go.

The Timberwolves failed to give him the ball, which allowed the three-time All-Star to shoot just four times in 33 minutes of play. His team’s inability to get him into the attack contributed to a monumental collapse which ended in a 104-95 loss.

Towns remained enraged, losing 2-1 with Memphis poised to take complete control of the series. Asked about his touches, he hit reporters with a “next question”.

Throughout this match, Towns was too talkative, whether it was expressing his exasperation, supporting his teammates or talking trash.

In a critical Game 4 on Saturday, Towns was the exact opposite. He emerged from the tunnel for his pre-match practice with a scowl on his face and made no eye contact with anyone for brief greetings or potential chats. He didn’t say a word as he took his pregame shots.

Minutes later, Grizzlies star Ja Morant took to the field for his pre-game practice, passing right by Towns. The tall man didn’t even recognize his presence as he glanced in the direction of the guard.

A tone was established.

Towns drilled a triple off the top of the key 13 seconds into the game, causing fans to erupt. The impassioned star immediately looked at his hands and uttered profanities while getting back to defense. Half a minute later, without hesitation, he bypassed Xavier Tillman to draw the foul to the basket.

He fell to the ground after contact, but quickly jumped up unassisted and quickly walked almost half court to prepare for his free throws.

And two minutes into that play, Towns was on top of the key and passed Brandon Clarke. He attempted to throw one viciously at Jaren Jackson Jr. He was fouled on the aggressive attempt and again walked quickly near half court to prepare for his free throws without saying a word. word.

The crowd was thrilled.

Three minutes into Saturday’s game it was clear 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 victory to tie the series at two games apiece.

“I was just determined to force [the Grizzlies’] hand,” Towns told Yahoo Sports after Game 4. “I was going to be aggressive and do whatever it took to get the ball back. I used different ways of attacking, different points of attack and different ways of handling the ball. We all watched the tape and we all had to do the work. That was what it was about for me. »

He let his game do the talking on Saturday.

The 26-year-old veteran was mic for the game on Thursday 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 their win and responded.

Towns talked about the playful banter between the two stars.

“I want to be clear: I’m not a social media guy. So I didn’t know what was answered or anything. But my dad, of course, would be the one to tell me what Ja tweeted,” Towns told Yahoo Sports. “Ja’s dad told my dad how Ja answered something. So I’m fine. It’s good competitive basketball. You gotta love playoff basketball.

The two dads – Karl Towns Sr. and Tee Morant – have made this series even more entertaining with their comedic banter as they root for their sons in their courtside seats.

Towns says he enjoys observing his father’s happiness.

“It’s great for my dad to see the son of one of his best friends play against me. It’s really cool and a great experience,” Towns told Yahoo Sports. don’t think a lot of people experiment in this league. It’s a very different thing to see two superstars get into the NBA and it’s actually their dads, not the players, who are super good friends. So the players build the bond around that. I think it’s really cool, dope and I’m very lucky that my dad can have those experiences in life. That’s how I see it. I just have a lot lucky to have those experiences with my dad while he’s here.

As for Tuesday’s Game 5, Towns said his aggressive approach won’t change.

“I’m staying locked in,” Towns told Yahoo Sports. “We have more work to do.”