The New York Knicks defeated the Minnesota Timberwolves, 112-106, at Madison Square Garden on Monday.

The Knicks (18-15) won for the first time since acquiring OG Anunoby, and they had to work hard to get past the Timberwolves (24-8) in front of their home crowd. New York endured a slow start, however, and the Timberwolves raced to a 32-23 lead in the first quarter. However, the Knicks responded with a 38-17 score in the second quarter that gave them a double-digit lead at halftime. A 33-29 score in the third quarter bolstered the Knicks' lead even further with only 12 minutes left. Even though the Timberwolves responded late, it was not enough to mount a comeback. Minnesota won the fourth quarter by a 28-18 score but fell short and opened the calendar year with a loss.

Julius Randle posted 39 points and nine rebounds to lead the Knicks. OG Anunoby started for the first time as a Knick and finished with 17 points and six rebounds before fouling out. Jalen Brunson had 16 points and 14 assists. Donte DiVincenzo had 15 points and four rebounds. Quentin Grimes notched 10 points off the bench. Josh Hart grabbed 11 rebounds and scored eight points off the bench.

Karl-Anthony Towns posted 29 points, six rebounds and three assists for the Timberwolves. Rudy Gobert had a 10-point, 15-rebound double-double. Anthony Edwards notched 35 points and four rebounds. No other Minnesota player scored in double figures in this game. Mike Conley had five points and Jalen McDaniels finished with eight points.