Towns sees Kevin Garnett tribute, would like to leave his own mark

The rookie delivered his second consecutive 20/10 game on Monday in Boston.

December 23, 2015 at 1:01PM
Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, right, knockws the ball away from Boston center Tyler Zeller on Monday.
Timberwolves center Karl-Anthony Towns, right, knockws the ball away from Boston center Tyler Zeller on Monday. (Randy Johnson — Associated Press/The Minnesota Star Tribune)

While hearing the past ring in his ears, Timberwolves rookie Karl-Anthony Towns might have seen his future Monday night in Boston.

Towns listened while TD Garden fans much of the game loudly chanted their desire to see former Celtics star Kevin Garnett, sitting out on the second night of back-to-back games, play.

At first, they chanted, "We Want KG." Near game's end, when it was clear they wouldn't get what they wanted, they chanted "Thank You, KG."

Garnett acknowledged their love when he came onto the court during a timeout with a minute left and gestured his reciprocation in several different ways.

"That's what we all strive for, to be remembered," Towns said after he delivered his second consecutive 20/10 game, recording 25 points and 16 rebounds. "We've only got so much time in this game of basketball. We want to be remembered. It's something that motivates all of us, especially me."

Asked if he can foresee such a moment for himself in 15, 20 years, he said, "Hopefully, it's with Minnesota. Hopefully, I've done something special for Minnesota and I'll hear my name for the rest of my life."

Jones recalled

Just in time for the holidays, the Wolves on Tuesday recalled rookie point guard Tyus Jones from a six-game assignment with the Idaho team in the NBA D-League.

The Stampede has a week's break in its schedule, so it only made sense to recall Jones after Saturday's game in Santa Cruz, Calif., in time to rejoin the Wolves for Wednesday's game against San Antonio at Target Center and to return home to Minnesota and Apple Valley, where he was raised, in time for Christmas.

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He averaged 24.7 points, five assists, 3.9 rebounds and 1.5 steals in 35.2 minutes a game. He had a 30-point, five-rebound, five-assist game in his final game there Saturday.

Stampede coach Dean Cooper last week said he'd welcome Jones back happily if the Wolves so wish and if Utah again accepts him as a "flexible assignment" player for their D-League affiliate.

about the writer

about the writer

Jerry Zgoda

Reporter

Jerry Zgoda covers Minnesota United FC and Major League Soccer for the Minnesota Star Tribune.

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